The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation will build 59 artificial ponds across nine wards and provide special facilities at four beaches for Chhath Puja, scheduled for November 15 and 16, in an effort to prevent pollution of natural water bodies.
The civic body said the arrangements are intended to help residents celebrate the festival in an environmentally responsible manner. Chhath Puja traditionally involves worship at the time of sunrise and sunset, with devotees gathering near the sea, lakes and rivers.
According to the corporation, floral offerings and other पूजा materials are sometimes immersed in natural water sources during the rituals. This can create a risk of pollution in these water bodies. The artificial ponds are therefore being planned as designated alternatives for worship and immersion-related activities.
The facilities will be established in nine municipal wards. The civic body has also announced special arrangements at four beaches, although the supplied report does not specify the names of the beaches or the exact nature of the facilities.
The municipal corporation’s planning comes as the population of North Indian residents has grown in several parts of Vasai-Virar. The report identifies Nalasopara East, Nalasopara West, Vasai East and Naigaon East as areas where a large number of North Indian residents now live.
The announcement places the management of festival-related gatherings within the wider responsibilities of an urban local body, including the protection of natural water sources and the provision of public facilities for residents. Details such as the locations of the 59 ponds, their operating arrangements and post-festival waste handling were not provided in the supplied report. The corporation’s announced facilities are intended to be available ahead of the Chhath Puja observances on November 15 and 16.
