Varanasi: Intensifying preparations for the upcoming festivals, especially Dala Chhath and Dev Deepawali, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) has engaged a big work force to complete all repairs, sanitation, lighting, safety measures and crowd-friendly facilities across ghats, ponds and kunds at an accelerated pace.Dala Chhath will be observed between Nov 13 and Nov 16, while Dev Deepawali is falling on Nov 24. Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari and municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal convened a review meeting held at the corporation auditorium on Tuesday evening. Tiwari said that tasks had been assigned to step up work to ensure smooth arrangements for devotees from Namo Ghat to Samne Ghat. He directed zonal officers to act as nodal officers for their respective zones and conduct detailed inspections of all major ghats, Ramnagar ghats, paved ghats along Varuna river and all kunds and ponds in the city. Any broken structures, debris or garbage must be removed immediately, he said.Special emphasis has been laid on adequate changing rooms, proper lighting, safe access and cleanliness. Officials have been instructed to place sand-filled bags at muddy stretches on ghats to prevent inconvenience to devotees. The lighting department has been asked to ensure complete illumination at all required locations.Nagpal warned that negligence at any level would not be tolerated. Engineers and health inspectors were told to remain alert and conduct regular field visits. The veterinary officer was directed to ensure that no stray cattle are seen on the ghats; violators will face immediate action and fines.Zonal sanitation officers will monitor cleanliness continuously through boat patrols and foot inspections. The mayor also reviewed beautification projects, including Sonia Talab, Kakarmatta Talab, JP Mehta Athletic Playground and lanes associated with Padma awardees. All such works must be completed by Dec 15. Action was also ordered against contractors responsible for slow progress in lane beautification projects.
