With Chhath Puja celebrations scheduled from November 12 to 15, the poor condition of various canals and water bodies in and around Phagwara has become a key worry for devotees. Many are struggling to find clean and suitable locations to perform the traditional rituals, with inadequate sanitation and the lack of water at several sites adding to their difficulties.
Dry canal stretches, heaps of garbage, accumulated debris and foul-smelling surroundings have exposed the gaps in civic maintenance ahead of one of the most significant festivals celebrated by the migrant community from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Chhath Puja, a four-day celebration dedicated to the worship of the sun god, holds deep religious and cultural significance for individuals from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Devotees observe rigorous fasts, offer prayers to the setting sun and on the concluding morning, perform 'arghya' to the rising sun, looking for prosperity, good health and the well-being of their families. The rituals are traditionally performed at rivers, ponds and other water bodies, making the availability of clean water and hygienic surroundings essential for the festivities.
The celebration has acquired a noted place in Punjab's cultural landscape, particularly in industrial and agricultural centres that have witnessed a substantial influx of migrant workers from the two states over the years.
Close to 45,000 devotees are associated with the festivities, while the number in neighbouring Ludhiana is estimated to be almost ten times higher in Phagwara alone. What was once mainly noted within households has gradually evolved into a significant community celebration, with thousands of devotees assembling at designated ghats and canal banks.
However, a visit by The Tribune team to canal stretches in Phagwara, Goraya, Banga, Nawanshahr, Hadiabad and Nakodar revealed an unsatisfactory picture. Various stretches were found without water, while others were surrounded by garbage, waste material and accumulated debris. The unhygienic conditions and foul smell at some locations have raised grave worries among devotees, particularly those who depend on these water bodies for performing religious rituals.
"A person cannot even stand near the canal in Phagwara because of the stench and the filth dumped by people," said Shanti, a devotee from Bihar.
The problem is not limited to the lack of water and sanitation. Various canal stretches were also found to have been encroached upon, with temporary structures and heaps of waste occupying land belonging to the Irrigation Department. The situation has yet again brought the issue of enforcement of government directions regarding the removal of encroachments and regular maintenance of canal surroundings into focus.
Devotees believe that basic arrangements at designated worship sites should have been wrapped up well in advance, considering that Chhath Puja is noted every year and attracts sizeable gatherings.
Responding to the concerns, Phagwara Additional Deputy Commissioner Randeep Singh Heer promised that the administration was taking necessary steps to improve the situation. He remarked adequate arrangements for cleaning the canals and releasing water would be made before the commencement of the festivities.
In a move to coordinate preparations, a meeting of officials from all concerned departments was held on Tuesday afternoon under the chairmanship of MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal.
In the meantime, community organisations have also taken initiatives to overcome the shortage of water at certain locations. Members of the Chhath Puja Sewa Samiti approached former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Som Parkash, who intervened to facilitate the filling of canals through the installation of submersible pumps so that devotees could perform their rituals without difficulty.
SDO of the Water Supply and Sewerage Board Pardeep Chottani told The Tribune that water would be released shortly before the celebration begins to facilitate the religious observances. Security arrangements have also been planned in view of the expected gatherings. Phagwara Superintendent of Police Major Singh said elaborate security arrangements had been made at all significant ghats and canal banks. Police personnel would remain deployed round the clock to regulate throngs, facilitate traffic movement and maintain law and order during the festivities, he added.
