Lucknow, Oct. 24 -- The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has tapped seven untapped and seven partially tapped nullahs to prevent untreated waste from flowing directly into the Gomti, ahead of Chhath Puja. Large iron sieves were installed at the exit points of the nullahs to stop solid waste from entering the river. Earlier, municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar had said, "All the work of fixing the sieves will be completed by tonight," while inspecting Lakshman Mela Ghat, Jhulelal Vatika Ghat, Sanjhiya Ghat, and Kudiya Ghat on Thursday. To ensure that the river remains clean and fit for bathing, the LMC will also use Malathion dust and bleaching powder for treatment. "To maintain the river's cleanliness, the LMC has deployed a skimmer machine and 15 boats to remove floating waste from the Gomti. Each of these boats is being equipped with GPS tracking systems for real-time monitoring of their movement and efficiency," he added. Around 150 mobile toilets will be placed near the Gomti during the festive period. Apart from the Lakshman Mela Ground, arrangements for Chhath Puja are being made at 110 other locations across the city, including Jhulelal Park Ghat, Khatu Shyam Ghat, Kudia Ghat, Mankameshwar Ghat, Pukka Pull, Peepewala Pul, Chinhat, 35 Battalion PAC (Mahanagar), 32 Battalion, Sarojini Nagar, Pandit Khera, Alambagh Naharia, G20 Marg, Pipraghat, Barha, and South City, among others. District Magistrate Vishak G said that the administration is aiming for flawless preparations. "Officials are covering all aspects, and departments are coordinating to ensure smooth management of an event expected to attract nearly 10 lakh devotees over five days," he said. The Chhath Mahaparv will begin on October 25 with Nahay-Khay, followed by Kharna on October 26. Devotees will offer Sandhya Arghya (evening prayers) to the Sun God on October 27, and the festival will conclude with Usha Arghya (morning offerings) on October 28. A senior official confirmed that chief minister has directed officials to celebrate the festival on a grand scale. The CM will inaugurate the celebrations at 4 pm on October 27 as the chief guest. The state government has also declared October 27 a public holiday to mark occasion. htc...