Hemant Soren Govt faces criticism over ban on Chhath Puja in water bodies

Jamshedpur: The Hemant Soren government is facing severe criticism over its decision to ban Chhath Puja in the waters of public ponds, lakes, rivers, reservoirs, any other water body. The government order issued on Sunday last has also banned setting up stalls by anyone on or near the banks of water bodies.

The government order issued on November 15 has drawn the ire of devotees as they are terming it as an attempt to hurt the sentiments of religious devotees.

The order also bans earmarking, barricading, special lighting of Chhath ghats by individuals for the purpose of Chhath Puja. No bursting of firecrackers is permitted in public places either. No musical or any other entertainment or cultural programs too would be allowed.

The order says: “Since it is not possible to ensure the compliance of national directive of social distancing norm of do gaz ki doori while performing Chhath Puja in the waters of river, pond, lake, dam, reservoir etc, therefore Chhath puja in the waters of public ponds, lakes, rivers, dams, reservoirs, any other water body shall not be permitted so as to minimise the chances of spread of Covid-19 infection.”

The decision of the government has come under severe criticism. His critics are pointing out that the Chief Minister Hemant Soren had recently participated in a. Public gathering while offering a Chaddar at the Dargah of Hazrat Risaldar Baba at Doranda, Ranchi on November 9. Many pointed out that the those present were not even wearing their masks properly and that the rule of ‘do gaz doori’ which the state government order banning the Chhath puja cites was also not complied with.

Mahanagar BJP workers today demonstrated at river ghats and protested against the decision of the government to ban Chhatch Puja in water bodies.