Delhi LG Approves Chhath Puja ghats, warns Kejriwal against pre-mature publicity

New Delhi, 28 October 2022: Delhi LG V K Saxena has given his approval for Chhath Puja to be held at specified ghats on the Yamuna and has ordered the authorities to guarantee basic amenities as well as sufficient protection.

LG Saxena stated that after reading the Chief Minister approved, pre-page note by the Minister of Revenue, I agree with the proposal to allow “Chhath Ghats” at the “Designated River Yamuna Ghats,” provided that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga’s orders are strictly followed.

The Governor stated in a statement that it may also be guaranteed that the chosen Ghats are properly cleaned, that essential amenities are given, and that security issues are taken care of.

The Revenue Department, Environment Department, and other relevant authorities are ordered to strictly execute these measures in order to safeguard the environment. According to the regulations, “any incident of noncompliance would result in stern penal action,” he declared.

The Delhi government was given the go-ahead by LG Saxena to do publicity in compliance with the standards for public advertising established by the top court. He also cautioned CM Kejriwal against early publicity that is deceptive and can mislead the general mass.

The Governor further stated, “I feel it vital to voice my severe concern regarding the premature publicity made by CM regarding the celebration of “Chhath Puja” on the ghats of River Yamuna via his tweet dated October 21, “Chhath Puja will be celebrated as before on the ghats of Yamuna. Orders have been given to all the officers that all arrangements will be made to ensure that Yamuna is not polluted.”

“The issue’s publicity was spread even before it was presented to me for consideration and before I had a chance to come to a personal conclusion about it. Additionally, this tweet implies that the “Chhath Festival will be celebrated on all Yamuna Ghats,” which is false and could lead to misunderstanding among the general public given that the NGT has only permitted Puja on the “specified places” for this reason,” LG said. In the interest of the greater good, the Governor further recommended the Chief Minister to desist from taking such actions in the future.