Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Directs Foolproof Security Arrangements at 104 Locations for Chhath Puja

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday directed the civil and police administration to ensure comprehensive security and public convenience arrangements at all 104 identified locations across the state for the upcoming Chhath Puja festival. Chairing a high-level meeting with senior officials, the Chief Minister stressed that the safety, security and convenience of every devotee must remain the government's top priority. He also instructed all departments to complete preparations well in advance to ensure peaceful and smooth celebrations.

104 Locations Identified Across Punjab for Chhath Puja

During the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 104 locations had been identified across Punjab where Chhath Puja would be celebrated. He directed officials to ensure that all necessary arrangements were completed before the festival.

Special attention was sought for women and elderly devotees who participate in the religious rituals with deep faith and devotion.

The Chief Minister said the government was committed to ensuring that devotees could celebrate the festival without facing inconvenience.

What Arrangements Will Be Made at Chhath Puja Ghats?

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the availability of fresh water in designated water bodies wherever required. He also instructed the administration to construct and improve proper ghats in major cities to facilitate safe religious rituals.

Additional instructions included:

• Special cleanliness drives at all identified locations.

• Proper sanitation and drinking water facilities.

• Adequate lighting arrangements.

• Systematic management of festival venues.

• Advance allocation of duties and responsibilities to officials and staff.

He emphasised that all departments must work in close coordination to ensure hassle-free celebrations.

Lifeguards, Barricading and Police Deployment for Devotee Safety

Expressing concern over the safety of devotees performing rituals near water bodies, CM Mann directed officials to deploy adequate lifeguards wherever necessary.

He also instructed authorities to ensure proper barricading, rope arrangements, public address systems and sufficient police personnel to regulate crowds and prevent untoward incidents.

NDRF and SDRF Teams to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness

The Chief Minister further directed officials to involve specialised teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) wherever required.

He stressed that emergency response arrangements must be comprehensive and that specialised teams should be ready to respond immediately in case of any emergency.

Mann reiterated that the government would not compromise on the safety of devotees under any circumstances.

Senior Officers Directed to Personally Monitor Preparations

The Chief Minister instructed senior officers to personally supervise arrangements and maintain regular coordination with all concerned departments.

He said respecting the religious sentiments of every community was the government's responsibility and emphasised that festivals across Punjab should be celebrated in an atmosphere of harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect.

Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Hardeep Singh Mundian, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat, Special DGP P.K. Sinha and other senior officials attended the meeting.