Siliguri, 17th November: Beautification work of the Mahananda river’s Lalmohan Moulik Niranjan Ghat under the initiative of Siliguri Municipal Corporation commenced recently. As part of the project, concrete railings have been put up along the riverbank which has raised concerns regarding the Chhath Puja.
It is to be noted, the Chhath Ghats are built along the riverbanks following the decision of Green Tribunal who strictly denied the construction of ghats in the river. However, this time, the concrete railings might create problems for Chhath puja organizers in constructing ghats along the banks.
It is to recall, Ashok Bhattacharya, the chairman of the BoA at Siliguri Municipal Corporation, faced the wrath of the locals during the inspection of Mahananda Ghat a few days ago. Following this, on Tuesday, the administration broke down a portion of the newly constructed railings and starting building two gates.
However, the move backfired as the Puja organizers and several people claimed that the railings made for beautification should not have been demolished. Following this, the officials, members, and puja organizers of Chhath Puja Samiti held a meeting.
Atri Sharma, the spokesperson of the association, said that no final decision has been taken regarding Chhath Puja arrangements. Sharma stated that they are against the demolition of railings and further said that every step must be taken in accordance with the law.