1,100 Chhath Puja Ghats Installed Along Yamuna by Delhi Govt

Given the epidemic and dangerous pollutants in the Yamuna River, the Chhath festival has generated controversy in Delhi over the previous few years. The celebration will be held at 1,100 city ghats along the Yamuna this year, bringing back some of its original flavor.

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister, has reportedly accepted Kailash Gahlot, the minister of revenue, suggestion to allow Chhath Puja festivities in various ghats along the Yamuna in Delhi. The statement claims that, in light of the approval, all district magistrates have been instructed to take additional steps to guarantee that no polluting materials are dumped into the river.

The deployment of Civil Defence Volunteers (CDVs) and the use of banners, posters, and audio messages at certain sites allow for the enforcement of the NGT's rules. There had previously been worries that the installation of Puja ghats close to the Yamuna and the offerings made at these ghats could pollute the river.

The government installed 1,100 ghats along the river this year. During the traditional festival of Chatth Puja, which involves presenting water to various deities, no additional material is required to be offered or submerged in rivers, canals, or ponds.

The statement claims that in addition to other traditional messages, the district administration will see to it that messages encouraging people to abide by the norms for maintaining the cleanliness of the Yamuna may be presented on LED systems at all Chhath ghats on the Yamuna.

Gahlot tweeted his appreciation to the chief minister, "I appreciate the Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal's approval of Chhath Puja on the Yamuna ghats. With Chhathi Maiyya's grace, we will make sure that Chhath Puja is celebrated in magnificent style at all 1,100 Ghats in Delhi this season."

Manoj Tiwari, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), wrote to Delhi LG VK Saxena last month to request that the Yamuna River be cleaned promptly in time for Chhath festival celebrations after Diwali.

The Rising Problem of Yamuna’s Toxic Foam

Foam forming in the Yamuna is a well-known issue in Delhi. Every year, images of individuals conducting Chhath Puja while standing around white foam bring it to the limelight.

After Chhath puja devotees were spotted swimming in the Yamuna River last year, the Delhi government sent boats to remove the harmful foam that had accumulated in the river in an effort to save face.

Environmentalists, political groups, and Delhi residents all expressed worry about the terrible state of affairs. Increased ammonia levels and high phosphate levels brought on by the discharge of industrial pollutants, such as detergents, into the Yamuna River led to the dangerous foam floating on it.