By Our Correspondent
Lucknow: On the occasion of Chhath Puja, a festival of worshipping ‘Sun God’ and deep-rooted cultural faith, the Yogi government made a successful effort to blend tradition with cleanliness across the state. Riverbanks and ghats were transformed into clean, beautiful, and well-equipped spaces, allowing devotees to worship in a pristine environment.
Highlights
- Yogi govt’s successful attempt to make Chhatt Puja in UP a celebration of culture and cleanliness
- Cleanliness, beautification, and arrangements enhance devotee experience during Chhath Puja in UP
- Chhath Puja 2024: Devotees appreciate Swachh Bharat Mission Urban and Urban Development Department for cleanliness and facilities
In line with environmental goals, the ghats were declared no-plastic zones, turning Chhath Puja into a zero-waste event. The government not only enhanced facilities but also raised awareness about maintaining cleanliness, aiming to integrate cultural practices with respect for the environment and community values.
For Chhath Puja, the Urban Development Department and Swachh Bharat Mission Urban brought a new level of cleanliness and beauty to the riverbanks through their Swachhta-Saundaryikaran Abhiyan and Clean Ghats Competition 2.0. Devotees, filled with devotion and enthusiasm, enjoyed an unforgettable experience of Chhath Puja in a clean and inviting environment.
The department not only kept the ghats and connecting paths clean but also beautified them. The ghats were repaired and decorated with flowers, rangoli, offering urns, wall paintings, and lights. Improved lighting along access paths ensured smooth movement for devotees, while mobile toilets, changing rooms, bathing areas, and clean drinking water facilities were provided at the ghats. Additionally, Safai Mitra (sanitation workers) were stationed to ensure regular cleaning throughout the event.
To assist devotees during Chhath Puja, informational and awareness boards were set up, along with bins for waste disposal. Water hyacinth was cleared from the water bodies at the ghats, making the water clean and safe for bathing. Control rooms and PA systems were also installed to provide devotees with regular updates and cleanliness messages.
To keep the ghats and water bodies clean, departmental officers, staff, volunteer organizations, the Swachh Vatravara Protsahan Samiti, and Swachh Sarathi Club worked alongside Chhath Puja organizing committees to raise awareness among visitors. The ghats were designated as no-plastic zones, with single-use plastics strictly prohibited. Vendors were encouraged to use paper or cloth bags instead of plastic, and devotees were also urged to bring cloth bags to support this eco-friendly initiative.
To celebrate Chhath Puja as a zero-waste event, bins and special offering urns were placed at multiple spots for the disposal of all ritual materials. To keep these containers cleared regularly, a sufficient number of Safai Mitras and machines were employed, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment for devotees. Mesh-like offering urns were also installed to prevent worship items from entering the water.
Along with cleanliness, beauty, and amenities, special attention was given to the safety and health of devotees. Barricades were set up in deep water areas to prevent children and devotees from venturing too far, and security measures were enhanced around the ghats and pathways. Community members were also encouraged to participate, ensuring a smooth and safe celebration for everyone.
To ensure safety at the ghats, skilled divers, SDRF teams, and adequate police presence were arranged. Preventive measures like lime sprinkling to control waste, anti-larvae spraying, and fogging for mosquito control were conducted across ghats, worship areas, and access routes. These activities were regularly monitored via drones and through an online system connected to the Dedicated Command and Control Center (DCCC) at the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies. Ample parking arrangements were made, and clear signage was installed for entry, exit, and guiding devotees.
Special amenities, including designated selfie points, were set up at the ghats, where devotees enjoyed capturing selfies and making reels to share on social media. To enhance the festive spirit, the local municipal bodies organized cultural programs, including folk songs, adding a devotional touch to the atmosphere that devotees thoroughly enjoyed.
Many devotees praised the arrangements, noting how they aligned with their worship traditions. The cultural events and facilities amplified their enthusiasm and devotion. Expressing gratitude to the Urban Development Department and Swachh Bharat Mission Urban, devotees also pledged to uphold cleanliness as a core value in future festivities.
