Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday directed the Civil and Police administration to ensure elaborate and foolproof arrangements at all 104 identified locations across the state for the upcoming festival of Chhath Pooja. He said the safety, security and convenience of devotees would remain the government's top priority.
Chairing a high-level meeting with senior officials, the Chief Minister instructed all departments to complete preparations well in advance to ensure that devotees can celebrate the festival peacefully and with religious fervour.
Mann said Chhath Pooja holds deep religious and cultural significance, and the government is committed to ensuring that devotees, particularly women and elderly people, do not face any inconvenience while performing the rituals.
He directed officials to ensure the availability of fresh water in designated water bodies wherever required and develop proper ghats in major cities. Special cleanliness drives, adequate sanitation, proper lighting and systematic management of all designated locations were also ordered.
The Chief Minister further instructed the administration to assign duties to officers and staff in advance, with clearly defined responsibilities and accountability. He stressed close coordination among all departments to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.
Expressing concern over the safety of devotees performing rituals near water bodies, Mann directed officials to deploy adequate lifeguards and ensure proper barricading, rope arrangements, public address systems and sufficient police personnel to manage crowds and prevent any untoward incident.
He also asked officials to involve specialised teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), wherever necessary, to strengthen emergency preparedness.
Mann directed senior officers to personally supervise the arrangements and maintain coordination with all concerned departments. He said the government was committed to ensuring that every festival in Punjab is celebrated with enthusiasm, harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect.
Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Hardeep Singh Mundian, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat, Special DGP PK Sinha and other senior officers attended the meeting.
