VARANASI, Oct. 24 -- Principal secretary of the housing and urban development department, P Guruprasad, on Thursday directed officials to increase the number of pumps from 73 to 150 for removing silt from the ghats to expedite the cleaning process in Varanasi district. Currently, 73 pumping sets are deployed for desilting. He also instructed that a team of 10 workers be stationed at each ghat to carry out cleaning activities. During a review meeting on cleanliness and preparations at the ghats, Guruprasad assessed the ongoing works, lighting arrangements, and other facilities in preparation for the upcoming Chhath Puja and Dev Diwali festivals. He instructed officials to ensure that changing room facilities are available at all major ghats. Commissioner of Varanasi division S Raj Lingam, vice chairman of the development authority Pulkit Garg, municipal commissioner Akshat Verma, additional municipal commissioner Savita Yadav, chief engineer R K Singh, general manager Jalkal Anoop Singh, municipal health officer Dr S K Chaudhary, and officials from several other departments attended the meeting. District magistrate Satyendra Kumar on Thursday inspected the ghats in view of the upcoming festival of Chhath, Ganga Mahotsav and Dev Deepawali The district magistrate has directed that proper arrangements for cleanliness and lighting be made at all ghats....