The Delhi Traffic Police on Friday issued a traffic advice for the national capital's Chhath Puja festival. They advised that traffic problems are expected in the region of major ponds from Sunday afternoon until Monday early. Taking to X (previously known as Twitter), Delhi Traffic Police stated: "In view of Chhath Puja celebrations on 19th November, 2023 evening till 20th November, 2023 morning, special traffic arrangements will be effective. Kindly follow the advisory."
“On November 19, thousands of devotees will be congregating at various ponds since afternoon. The prayers will be offered at the time of sunset. While some devotees may leave after sunset prayers, several will stay for the night at various ponds in tents," the advisory reads.
To guarantee smooth traffic movement, the traffic police recommended commuters to avoid roads near the Chhath Puja celebration areas.
The ponds in Sonia Vihar, Krishna Market Jhilmil Colony, DDA Land near JPC Hospital, Tughlakabad Kaya Maya Ground, DDA Ground near Jain Mandir Suraj Kund Road, adjacent D-Block Mangol Puri, Chhat Puja Kalyan Samiti Sainik Enclave, and others may see a high volume of devotees, according to the alert.
The police have created sophisticated traffic measures in anticipation of the large crowds expecting at the ponds.
They stated that appropriate diversions will be made based on the situation.
"There will be no restrictions for going to railway stations and ISBT. However, people should leave in advance and keep sufficient time to accommodate possible delay in routes. People are requested to avail public transport like metro to help decongestion of roads," the advisory reads.
"Park your vehicles only at designated parking lots. Roadside parking must be avoided as it causes hindrance to normal flow of traffic," it further stated.
Meanwhile, the Delhi administration has announced that the city would observe a 'dry day' on November 19 in commemoration of Chhath Puja.