All three municipal corporations in Delhi have decided to keep offices and schools closed on Thursday on the occasion of Chhath festival. Lt Governor Anil Baijal also approved Delhi government’s proposal to declare 26 October a public holiday.
Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, a civic body official said in pursuance of the notification of the government of NCT of Delhi, all offices under each corporation will remain closed on Thursday on account of ‘Chhath Puja’.
Meanwhile, North Delhi Mayor Preety Agarwal on Wednesday inspected preparedness for Chhath festival at Kudasia Ghat.
Agarwal said, “As a preventive measure against dengue, malaria and chikungunya, fogging would be continued twice a day ~ early morning and late evening ~ at the ghats.”
She said the corporation’s sanitation staff had been directed to be on duty in uniform so that citizens can identify them and ask for help if need be. The mayor said medical facilities through mobile dispensaries would also be available at ghats to devotees.
She said leftover garbage on ghats would be cleared and sweeping be done speedily. She also inspected newly-built temporary toilets on Kudasia Ghat and directed corporation staff to keep them clean during the festival.
Agarwal said all offices, schools and institutions of North Corporation would observe a holiday on Thursday.
South Delhi Municipal Corporation leader of house Shikha Rai, said, “Chhath festival has now become an integral part of Delhi as Chhath is being celebrated with religious fervor across the city and members of different communities participate in ceremonies with gaiety.”