NEW DELHI: Delhi will have 1,100 locations across the city where prayers can be offered to the Sun God during Chhath Puja later this month, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday. Addressing a digital press conference, Kejriwal said the government has set aside Rs 25 crore this year for creation of ghats and providing facilities to ensure people do not face any inconvenience. He added that the Delhi government will make provision for LED screens, sound system, power backup, drinking water, toilets, ambulances and first-aid at all the sites. While Delhi Police will ensure safety and security at ghats, CCTV cameras will also be installed at all locations, Kejriwal said. Chhath Puja will be celebrated on October 30 and 31. “Due to the pandemic conditions over the last two years, the Delhi government could not take up the large-scale preparations it makes for community Chhath celebrations in Delhi and a lot of people had to celebrate the festival at home only. But now, we will celebrate Chhath at a very large scale across 1,100 sites in Delhi,” Kejriwal said. These sites will be both temporary and permanent located along the Yamuna, near old waterbodies and in several MCD and DDA parks to ensure the devotees do not have to travel much to offer prayers on Chhath Puja. According to the chief minister, there were only 69 locations in Delhi where the prayers were offered during the Chhath celebrations till 2014 and the government had earmarked a budget of only Rs 2.5 crore to make arrangements. “We will be spending Rs 25 crore this year. The Delhi government will bear all the cost of the celebration. We know how people were desperate to worship Chhathi Maiyya with their community for the last two years. We have taken care of their emotions and made some special preparations to add to the celebrations,” Kejriwal said. He added that among its core responsibilities, the Delhi government has prioritised safety and security of every citizen. Though the intensity of Covid-19 has decreased and the fine for not wearing the masks has been withdrawn, Kejriwal urged people to follow the Covid-appropriate behaviour and wear a mask while setting out to celebrate. “Our health is our own responsibility. We all must ensure that we don’t fall sick due to any oversight,” he said.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/govt-to-ready-1100-locations-for-chhath-puja-kejriwal/articleshow/94868166.cms