Delhi plans world-class Chhath ghat along Yamuna with fountains, green spaces

The Delhi government plans to develop a five-acre Chhath ghat along the Yamuna near ITO as an aesthetically designed and environmentally sustainable cultural and spiritual destination.The proposed site will include Chhath-themed murals and sculptures, decorative fountains, a walking plaza, light-and-sound arrangements, stepped ghats, a promenade and an amenities area. At least 75 per cent of the site will be maintained as a green area.“The objective is to develop the site as a world-class, aesthetically appealing, environmentally sustainable, cultural and spiritual riverfront destination for Chhath puja,” a Public Works Department official told news agency PTI. The department has issued a tender to appoint a consultant for the redevelopment work.Under the plan, an architect will prepare a detailed project report according to the directions of the Delhi Public Works Department. The consultant will study the area before preparing the report on which further construction will be based. “For public comfort, shaded walkways, designer canopies, pergolas, decorative shelters and seating structures will be constructed at the ghat. The consultant will carry out a detailed study of the area and prepare a report based on which further constructions can be carried out,” the project document said.The plan also includes landscaping, sculptures, installations themed around Chhathi Maiya, traditional motifs, illuminated sculptures, jaali walls and other artistic features. Steps leading to the river will also be built to help turn the site into a prominent cultural and spiritual destination for Chhath Puja devotees. The project has an initial estimate of Rs 15 lakh and is to be completed within a year, before the next Chhath, officials told PTI. The Delhi government has been setting up a temporary Chhath ghat at ITO for several years, while PWD Minister Parvesh Verma recently announced plans for a grand ghat at the site.The ITO ghat will be part of the Delhi government's riverfront redevelopment plan. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently inaugurated an 11-km Chhath ghat along a stretch of the Munak Canal in north Delhi.Once completed, the proposed ITO ghat will provide a permanent Chhath Puja site with green spaces, public amenities and cultural installations along the Yamuna.- Ends