BJP: Chhath panels forced to display AAP leaders’ photos

The ruling party AAP is facing criticism from the opposition for its alleged mismanagement of preparations for the Chhath Puja celebrations, which began on Tuesday. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva claimed AAP MLAs had pressurised Chhath committees to display hoardings featuring the photos of Kejriwal, Atishi, and other MLAs. “It is extremely shameful that ruling MLAs are supporting the religious arrangements just to ensure their own photos are displayed,” Sachdeva remarked.

“Due to the inaction and carelessness of the government, neither have the ponds been filled with water, nor have drinking water tankers reached over 800 temporary Chhath ghats,” Sachdeva said.

Meanwhile, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav also expressed concerns that devotees were forced to celebrate in the “dirty, poisonous waters” of the river, despite repeated promises from the AAP government to provide clean water. “Year after year, Kejriwal and his party promises a clean Yamuna for the devotees, but in the end, they are forced to stand in toxic water,” Yadav said.

Yadav also accused the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) of allowing untreated sewer effluents to flow into the Yamuna. “Every year, the AAP government makes cosmetic arrangements for the puja without addressing the severe pollution in the Yamuna. Keeping the waters clean should be a year-round task,” Yadav said.

He expressed concern over the frothing of the Yamuna, particularly at the Kalindi Kunj barrage. “The DJB’s attempt to suppress the foam is a short-term measure, but it will not wash away the water’s high toxicity,” Yadav warned.

Rs 40K per ward for street lighting at ghats

• MCD has allocated Rs 40,000 per ward to enhance street lighting at Chhath ghats. The funds will be used to improve lighting in and around the ghats. The MCD’s Electrical Department has been tasked with completing the lighting work promptly.
• MCD will also oversee sanitation and cleanliness arrangements at the ghats. It will also arrange parking facilities at the ghats.