Delhi Chhath ghats have come under a last-minute safety and facilities review, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inspecting Sur Ghat ahead of the festival and directing officials to complete all pending works before devotees arrive. She warned that lapses in arrangements for public safety and convenience would invite strict action.
The inspection took place on Monday, 26 October, as part of a review of preparations at Chhath ghats across the capital. Gupta examined the condition of the ghat and sought updates from officials on works that were still incomplete. She instructed departments to finish the work within the prescribed timeline rather than wait until the festival days.
During the visit, the chief minister directed officials to repair dilapidated gates, rusted structures and damaged sections of the ghat. She also ordered cleaning and painting of the premises, along with adequate lighting on both sides of the site. The directions are intended to address the basic physical conditions that devotees will encounter while reaching and using the ghat.
Water arrangements were also reviewed. The report said deficiencies were found in the water-related facilities, after which officials were asked to explain the gaps and make suitable arrangements for devotees taking a ritual bath. The chief minister directed that the water facilities be made appropriate before the festival.
Sanitation was another focus of the inspection. Officials were instructed to clean and repair toilets and restore other basic amenities immediately. Gupta also asked departments to work in coordination so that the different tasks, including repairs, lighting, sanitation and water arrangements, are completed within the set deadline.
The chief minister said preparations should be ready before Chhath rather than being completed on the festival day. She described the festival as closely connected with the faith and traditions of millions of families from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and said the government had a responsibility to provide every devotee with a clean, safe and convenient environment.
The inspection places the condition of temporary and permanent public facilities at Delhi’s riverfront and other Chhath sites under immediate administrative scrutiny. The instructions cover both visible infrastructure, such as gates, structures and lighting, and essential services, including water, toilets and cleanliness. The report did not specify the number of ghats covered by the inspection, the budget allocated for the works or a separate completion schedule for each facility.
Officials have been directed to complete the pending arrangements before the Chhath festival and to coordinate across departments. The next administrative milestone is the completion of the repair, sanitation, lighting and water-related works before devotees begin using the ghats.
