Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday detailed the Delhi government’s preparations for Chhath Puja, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to ensuring a smooth celebration across the capital.

Addressing a press conference, she said the previous government had imposed a ban on performing Chhath Puja along the Yamuna ghats, but the BJP government revoked the restriction immediately after assuming power. This year, the festival will be organised at 17 locations along the Yamuna, stretching from Palla to Kalindi Kunj, where new ghats, some extending over 500 metres, are being constructed.

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The Chief Minister announced that all FIRs filed in 2021 against devotees who had performed rituals at the Yamuna despite the ban would now be withdrawn.

Gupta said the number of Chhath ghats in Delhi has increased compared to previous years, with the government receiving over 1,000 applications this time. Last year, temporary ghats were set up at 929 locations. She added that all approved sites will have essential facilities, including tents, lighting, water supply, sanitation, medical assistance, and ambulances.

Each district will also have a model Chhath ghat featuring welcome gates and flower showers to greet devotees. Cultural programmes in Bhojpuri and Maithili will be held at more than 200 locations, along with arrangements for morning tea and drinking water for vratis (devotees observing the fast).

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To maintain cleanliness, a special drive has been launched to ensure devotees can offer arghya to the Sun God in clean water. All public representatives have been instructed to participate in cleanliness activities at the ghats.

Referring to air quality, Gupta said pollution levels during this year’s Diwali were lower than in previous years despite the heightened festive enthusiasm. She added that the government is making “serious efforts” to tackle pollution and will also discuss stubble burning with a visiting minister from Punjab at the Delhi Secretariat on Thursday.