Kolkata: Devotees throng 47 artificial ghats

KOLKATA: Chhath rituals at the 47 ghats developed by Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) were observed by devotees with adequate arrangements and safety and security measures.
With the sunset inching in on Sunday evening, thousands of Chhath devotees came to the ghats to observe the rituals. There were adequate arrangements with police assistance at the ghats.Leaflets along with two helpline numbers were circulated in the last few days for any help and assistance, mentioning the water bodies where devotees can perform Chhath rituals.
The temporary ghats were set up at selected water bodies like Ramdhan Park and Govindan Kutty Park at Golf Gardens, Madartala jheel at Tollygunge, 10 no. pukur and Layelka pond at Regent Estate, Jodhpur Park pond, Patuli water body near Satyajit Ray Park, the KMDA water bodies at Nonadanga and others across the city. KMDA had also set up a few permanent ghats at Nonadanga.
"The arrangements are good and systematic much to our convenience," said a devotee.
"There was huge footfall at most ghats with the Bihari community very happy with the arrangements. There were a good number of volunteers and police officers with police assistance boothswith adequate bio toilets, changing rooms and washrooms for women and enough illumination," said a KMDA official.
Disaster boats were kept ready at large water bodies like the Jodhpur Park pond for any emergency.
KMDA had kept a medical camp ready at Gitanjali Stadium along with an ambulance.
Local clubs and organsiations in the city had set up artificial ponds for Chhath.
A local club near Subhas Sarobar, Narkeldanga Sebaknagar Nabayubak Brinda, had set up a few temporary reservoirs for neighbours to perform the rituals.
In New Town, the Bisarjan ghat was used to observe Chhath rituals where hundreds of devotees came. Two boats were kept ready with divers and life jackets.