New Delhi: The AAP-led Delhi government announced that November 7 will be a public holiday in the city on account of ‘Chhath Pooja’. CM Atishi had written to the chief secretary to issue notification in this regard. A large number of devotees take a dip in the Yamuna River and offer prayers to Sun god during the Chhath festivities.
The CM said in her letter, “Chhath Pooja is an important festival for the people of NCT of Delhi. Accordingly, Government of NCT of Delhi has decided to declare 7th November 2024 as Public Holiday on account of ‘Chhat Pooja’.”
Chhath Puja in Delhi: Yamuna polluted, devotees concerned
Like every year, the Yamuna River remains polluted with toxins this year too. Layers of toxic froth can be seen on the surface of the river raising health concerns among the devotees in the national capital. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has reportedly deployed a team to clean the river by spraying chemicals since last week. However, the river still appears polluted as layers of froth can still be seen on the river surface.
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The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi accused the BJP ruled states – Haryana and Uttar Pradesh – of releasing untreated effluents in the river. Meanwhile, the BJP blamed the AAP government of corruption and mismanagement.
Chhath special trains
On Sunday, Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar announced that the Railways is operating 195 special trains for 13 days from Delhi ahead of the Chhath Puja to facilitate the passengers. He said, “We are operating extra trains as part of the arrangements. We are operating 195 special trains in 13 days from the Delhi area this year… Today, 70 trains are running from Delhi, of which 16 are special trains, and 4 trains are unannounced. Through these measures, we are trying to provide facilities to the passengers. I asked passengers about the arrangements, they are satisfied with the arrangements made this year,” said Kumar, as quoted by ANI.
Indian Railways operated over 160 trains on Thursday and over 170 trains on Sunday to facilitate devotees ahead of Chhath Puja. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity for the Railway Board, said that the Railways has made special arrangements at all key stations, including New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), Anand Vihar, Surat, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Mumbai, Bandra, Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
He added that the Railways is running extra trains to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to accommodate Chhath Puja rush. Additional Railways Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) staff have also been deployed at stations to manage the crowd. He added that Rail Sewaks are also available at stations to help travellers in case of any confusion.
