Ensure Chhath ghats are clean: Hemant Soren to Ranchi admin

RANCHI: Chief minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday inspected various Chhath ghats in Ranchi and directed the officials of the Ranchi district administration to ensure cleanliness and all facilities for the devotees.
Soren took a tour of Kanke Dam and Hataniya Lake which draw thousands of devotees to its banks every year.
He said: “Our government is exploring ways to improve tourism opportunities in the state and Kanke Dam is an important tourist draw in Ranchi. During today’s inspection, several shortcomings in its infrastructure came to my notice. There is a lack of upkeep and the building which houses the food court has also turned to shambles. These will be fixed soon.”
Ranchi Municipal Corporation has begun the cleaning of various water bodies which serve as Chhath ghats during the four-day annual festivities. Chhath will be celebrated between October 28 and October 31.
Soon after Soren’s visit, Ranchi deputy commissioner Rahul Kumar Sinha held a meeting with the police and administrative officials on Chhath preparations. Sinha directed the officials to put up notices near water bodies for identifying deep waters and set up barricades to secure the area for the devotees.
He asked the officials to prevent bursting firecrackers at the ghats. “The approach roads to the ghats must be illuminated properly and organising committees should ensure proper cleanliness,” Sinha said.
The district administration also directed Ranchi civil surgeon Dr Vinod Kumar to keep the emergency units of sadar hospital and the community and primary health centres across the districts ready. The health officials were also asked to ensure availability of ambulances at the Chhath ghats for quick medical intervention.