Maharashtra minister flags concerns over inadequate facilities in city for Chhath Puja

On Friday, minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Satam conducted site inspections of Chhath Puja venues such as Juhu Chowpatty and Worli Jambori Maidan, where Lodha expressed dissatisfaction over the BMC preparations and readiness of the civic authorities. At Juhu Chowpatty where the Chhath Puja committees had appealed for 75 changing rooms for women, the ministers noted that only 30 changing rooms had been deployed until Friday. Amid displeasure voiced by the committee members over the shortfall in several other amenities, Lodha on Friday directed the civic chief, Bhushan Gagrani to ensure that all facilities are provided at the earliest.

BMC officials maintained that all preparations are poised to be completed ahead of Chhath Puja, by Sunday.

A BMC official from D ward, where thousands of devotees throng Banganga tank for the Puja rituals, told Express, “All the preparation for the Chhath festivities is underway and we are making the necessary arrangements for changing rooms, toilets, electricity supply amongst other amenities. Since the festival will commence from Monday, we are set to complete all ongoing works by Sunday.”

Speaking to The Indian Express, another senior BMC official added, “We have made several arrangements across the city ranging from creation of artificial ponds, changing rooms, electricity, security amenities etc. As per the instructions issued by ministers Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Ameet Satam, our staffers will be taking action to increase the number of arrangements at Juhu as well as Jambhori Maidan.”

Earlier on October 10, Lodha and Satam had convened a meeting with senior officials from Mumbai police as well as BMC including Additional Municipal Commissioner, Amit Saini where the instructions were issued to facilitate a single-window scheme for convenience of devotees and arrangements for lighting, water and security at the puja sites. The authorities also said that extended metro and BEST services will be provided during the course of the festival for better commuting.