New Delhi, Oct 14 Ahead of the festive season, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has set up designated collection points for old and damaged idols across 250 wards and planned to install streetlights at 500 Chhath ghats, alongside other measures, officials said on Wednesday.
The initiative comes as Delhi prepares for festivals such as Durga Puja and Chhath Puja, when large numbers of devotees participate in religious rituals, including idol worship and offerings at water bodies.
The collection points offer residents an alternative to immersing old idols in water bodies or leaving them under trees and along roadsides. The initiative comes amid restrictions imposed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee on idol immersion in the Yamuna and other water bodies, except at designated sites identified by local authorities.
Mayor Pravesh Wahi said the collection points would be placed at prominent intersections in every ward to make them easily accessible and visible to residents.
“Since idols are made of clay, and some also contain materials such as glass and wood, dedicated spaces have been created to keep them safely,” Wahi said.
A resident welcomed the initiative, saying it would help prevent idols from being abandoned in public spaces, but suggested setting up two collection points in each ward instead of one.
The MCD has decided to install streetlights at two Chhath ghats in each of its 250 wards. Funds have been released for the purpose, and the electrical department has been directed to identify the sites and make the necessary arrangements.
Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma said roads and lanes leading to the ghats would be inspected and repaired wherever necessary.
“Special attention is being given to repairing roads leading to the ghats, ensuring adequate lighting and maintaining cleanliness,” she said.
Officials have also been directed to ensure regular waste collection, sanitation and fogging around the ghats before Chhath Puja to curb mosquito breeding and provide devotees a clean and safe environment.
(PTI News)
