Adequate measures at Lake for Chhat Puja this year

Kolkata: In a unique initiative, the state government has taken up an elaborate arrangement at Rabindra Sarovar Lake where the devotees will perform Chhath Puja.

Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is setting up a makeshift bamboo enclosure with net around it at the Rabindra Sarovar Lake so that devotees do not face any difficulties while performing their rituals on October 26 and 27.

KMDA and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) authorities will ensure all required infrastructures including sufficient lighting, water, placement of over 100 large garbage bins and protection barriers. It was also known that videography of the event will also be done.

The Chhat Puja Committee has been requested to sufficiently aware the devotees so that they do not throw any anything into the waterbody including flowers and earthen lamps. They have been strictly advised not to bring any firecrackers, music system or plastic bags inside the park as well.

It may be mentioned that there is an order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), East Zone, saying the environmental issues must be of utmost importance. Chhat Puja rituals have been performed at Rabindra Sarovar in South Kolkata last year as well. This year, NGT asked the state government to protect environment and imposed some restrictions as the lake is home to several species of birds and fishes.

A high-level meeting was held at Rabindra Sarovar Lake between the KMDA and KMC officials which was also attended by the local Councillor Baishanna Chatterjee, OC Lake police station and the representatives from the Chhat Puja Committee to discuss the issues relating celebration of Chhat Puja.

Saumitra Mohan, CEO, KMDA said that sufficient volunteers from the Puja Committee, local police and KMDA will be deployed on October 26 and 27 to ensure regular cleaning and also for helping the devotees. Sufficient flex and banners shall also be put up for better awareness.

The administration wants Chhat Puja celebration in compliance with the court order without compromising the environment protection norms for the Sarovar, Mohan added.

The West Bengal Pollution Control Board shall also keep a tab on the water quality of the lake during the celebration in accordance with the court order.

Thousands of devotees congregate at the lake during Chhat Puja to dip their feet in the water and carry out other rituals. The rituals are performed in two parts — one at sunset and another at sunrise the next morning — wherein the Sun God is worshipped.