Delhi LG Orders Free Ghats and Top Facilities for Chhath Pooja
Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu directs DDA to provide free ghats, lighting, and cleaning for devotees during Chhath Pooja 2026.
As the auspicious occasion of Chhath Pooja approaches, the Delhi administration is ramping up efforts to ensure a seamless experience for thousands of devotees. Lieutenant Governor (LG) Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu recently conducted a comprehensive review of the Chhath Pooja preparedness of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), emphasizing the need for accessibility and cleanliness.
Free Access to Ghats and Public Spaces
During a high-level meeting with the Vice-Chairman and senior DDA officials, the LG issued a clear directive: all space and ponds within the Yamuna Floodplain and other public parks under DDA jurisdiction must be provided to devotees free of cost. Recognizing the deep spiritual significance of the festival, particularly for the community from Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, the LG stressed that the allotment of these spaces must be handled with absolute transparency.
To ensure fairness, the LG instructed that allotments be based on:
- Current local requirements.
- Historical usage of the sites.
- The actual demand from the devotees.
Focus on Hygiene and Safety
The LG underscored that providing space is not enough; the quality of the environment is paramount. He directed that all ponds and designated areas be thoroughly cleaned and spruced up before being handed over to the public. Furthermore, to ensure the safety of devotees during the early morning and evening rituals, adequate lighting arrangements must be installed at every site.
To manage the crowds and logistics, the LG ordered the deployment of specially designated staff and personnel. The DDA has been tasked with maintaining tight coordination with the Government of National Capital Territory (GNCT) departments, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to ensure all necessary support is in place. Additionally, the LG mandated that all sites be restored and cleaned immediately following the conclusion of the festivities.
Chief Minister's Directives for Enhanced Facilities
Adding to the administrative push, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also held a detailed review meeting with district administration and various agencies. The Chief Minister left no room for error, stating that there should be absolutely no shortcomings regarding the safety, cleanliness, or convenience of the devotees.
In a move to increase capacity, the Chief Minister announced that more ghats would be developed this year compared to previous years. She specifically instructed officials to avoid relying solely on progress reports and instead conduct personal, on-ground inspections of every single ghat to verify the arrangements.
Key Dates for Chhath Puja 2026
To facilitate the celebrations, a public holiday will be observed. The festival schedule for 2026 is as follows:
- Start Date: Friday, November 13, 2026.
- Main Festival Day: Sunday, November 15, 2026.
- Conclusion: Monday, November 16, 2026.