UP CM Yogi Adityanath announces public holidays on Chhath and Kartik Purnima

LUCKNOW: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday announced public holiday on Chhath (November 10) and Kartik Purnima (November 19) in view of “popular sentiments”.
Presiding over a review meeting through video conferencing, the CM said a large number of devotees participated in fairs of Kartik month, including Chhath Mahaparv. “In such a situation, systematic arrangements should be made for cleanliness, security, lighting, parking and drinking water on the ghats,” he said.
The CM directed the authorities to ensure that people do not face any problem in getting permission for organising fairs, since it was an “integral part of our culture and tradition”.
He cited the example of ‘Panchkosi’ and ‘Chaudah Kosi parikrama’, which will start in Ayodhya from November 14. “Garhmukteshwar fair will be organised in Hapur, Dev Deepawali in Varanasi on November 19, and Dadri fair in Ballia. Similarly, various fairs are scheduled in Etah, Bareilly, Kanpur and Rae Bareli,” the CM said while instructing the authorities to ensure implementation of Covid-19 protocol.
Yogi also emphasised on the need for setting up night shelters in view of dip in temperature.
“Very cold weather is expected this year. Nodal officers should be appointed. Police, in association with local municipal body, should ensure that not a single poor/desperate person sleeps on footpath, crossroads or under any statue,” he said. The CM said adequate fodder should be ensured for stray cattle.
Speaking on Covid-19 vaccination drive, he said the administration of the first dose vaccine to 100% eligible population (15 crore people) would be over by November-end.
He said Covid management in UP was getting global appreciation due to collective efforts. So far, the state has given at least one dose to 9.95 crore people. In such a situation, the target of 25-30 lakh doses per day has been set by the state government.
Yogi said the vaccination work should continue till 10pm in all the districts. “All necessary efforts should be made to achieve the target. If the progress in achieveing vaccination target is not found satisfactory, the district magistrate and chief medical officer of the district concerned will be held accountable,” he said.
He also sought cooperation of public representatives, from village heads to MPs, in stepping up vaccination drive. “Vaccination should be done with the micro target of ‘first dose saturated gram’. In urban wards, it is necessary to work in mission mode with the spirit of ‘first dose saturated ward’,” the CM said.
According to officials, over 75% people have been given the first dose of the vaccine in Gautam Budh Nagar, Shahjahanpur, Ghaziabad, Lucknow and Jhansi.
Terming the situation “commendable”, Yogi underscored the need for improving the pace of vaccination in Firozabad, Ballia, Moradabad, Sambhal, Rampur, Aligarh, Sonbhadra, Hapur, Azamgarh and Farrukhabad.