Kolkata: CM Suvendu Adhikari held a meeting at Nagarayan in Salt Lake to review Durga Puja preparedness in all urban local bodies and development authorities on Friday. He claimed some 1,200-odd more pujas are taking place in the state this year, bearing testimony to the fact that people’s involvement in the festival has increased.The Mahalaya event at Eden Gardens will be attended by 45,000 people and there will be giant screens at key places in the city where the event will be broadcast live. Adhikari said the sound of dhaks and blowing of conch shells will set a record at Saturday’s Mahalaya event.Adhikari issued directions for completion of all road repairs within three days and emphasised street light replacement on an urgent basis by Tuesday. He asked urban local bodies to install lights even in those places where there is no pandal. Adhikari also issued directions for clearing pending salaries of civic employees before puja vacation and ensuring there are no dues for contractual workers either. The CM said, “The civic bodies have been asked to ensure immersion is held with sanctity and devotion. No cranes will be allowed. We will use conveyor belts and other alternatives,” he said.
