Fri Nov 08 02:46:41 UTC 2024: ## Siliguri Residents Protest Delay in Chhath Ghat Preparation
**Siliguri, November 4th:** Residents of Natun Para in Ward No. 05, Siliguri, staged a protest on Monday over the lack of progress in preparing the Chhath Ghat, just a day before the festival begins.
Chhath Puja, a major festival celebrated in Bihar and parts of West Bengal, is set to commence on November 5th. While many ghats have begun preparations for the ritualistic pavilions, residents of Natun Para expressed their frustration over the stalled work at their ghat.
The protesters blamed the contractors for the delay, claiming that preparations were progressing smoothly in other areas but not in Natun Para. They accused the contractors of neglecting their responsibilities and demanded immediate action to ensure the ghat was ready for the festival.
Tukai Paswan, Secretary of the Natun Para Chhath Puja Committee, confirmed that despite full support from the state government, the project has been delayed due to contractor issues. He demanded the immediate commencement of Chhat Ghat preparations.
Ward Councilor Anita Mahato acknowledged the issue, confirming that the contractors were not performing adequately. She expressed her concern about the difficulties faced by the puja committee due to the delay. Mahato assured the residents that she would address the situation with the concerned contractors to expedite the construction process.
The protest highlights a common issue in many Indian cities, where residents often rely on the government to complete basic infrastructure projects, which can lead to delays and frustrations.
First Piper 