Uttar Pradesh Government Promotes Clean and Plastic-Free Ghats for Chhath Festival

Lucknow, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : The Uttar Pradesh government is taking significant steps to ensure that the Chhath festival is celebrated in a clean, beautiful, and environmentally friendly manner. Authorities are focusing on providing better facilities for devotees while keeping the ghats free of plastic and ensuring effective cleanliness measures.

Urban bodies have been instructed to prepare extensively for the festival. This includes cleaning the ghats, beautifying the areas, managing waste, and encouraging public participation. Efforts are being made to properly clean all Chhath ghats, repair damaged sections, and ensure adequate lighting along access routes.

In addition to beautifying waste-sensitive areas, tree planting initiatives are also being promoted. Each ghat will have designated pots for the separate collection of flowers and worship materials. Wet and dry waste will be managed scientifically through green and blue dustbins.

Aligned with the government’s vision, the ghats are being developed as no-plastic zones. A ban on single-use plastics is being enforced, and devotees are being educated about environmentally friendly alternatives. The goal is to conduct the event as a zero-waste initiative. Facilities such as mobile toilets, bathing areas, and changing rooms for women have been arranged. Clean drinking water, adequate lighting, security measures, deployment of divers, and emergency services are also being prioritized.

Directional boards and awareness signage are being installed at the ghats to assist devotees. To foster a community-driven cleanliness movement, the involvement of Clean Sarthi clubs, NGOs, civil society organizations, and local representatives is being ensured. Activities like community clean-up drives, rangoli, painting, and debate competitions are being organized to raise awareness. Street plays, jingles, and videos are also being used to promote the message of cleanliness and environmental protection.

Daily cleaning of the ghats, immediate removal of waste and silt, and rostered duties for officials and staff have been established. Public announcement systems will relay cleanliness messages to devotees. A special cleaning campaign will continue even after the Chhath puja to maintain cleanliness around the worship sites.

This year, a clean ghat competition will also be held during the Chhath festival. This initiative aims to foster healthy competition among urban bodies regarding cleanliness, beautification, citizen facilities, and better management. Outstanding efforts by these bodies will be recognized through the competition.