LUCKNOW, Nov. 15 -- With thousands of devotees expected at Chhath ghats for the evening and early morning rituals, urban development and energy minister AK Sharma on Saturday directed the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) to step up lighting and safety arrangements at major riverfront locations. During an inspection of Jhulelal Ghat and Mehndi Ghat, along with mayor Sushma Kharkwal and municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar, the minister directed officials to install additional lights at Jhulelal Ghat, covering its steps, approach roads and adjoining areas. At Jhulelal Ghat, the minister also directed the electricity department to ensure an uninterrupted power supply and keep backup arrangements in place to avoid disruptions during the festival. While at Mehndi Ghat, Sharma reviewed cleanliness and other civic arrangements and interacted with sanitation workers. He appreciated their efforts in maintaining the ghats and encouraged them to continue their work during the festival. Sharma directed municipal officials to ensure regular cleaning, safe drinking water, functional toilets, changing rooms, help desks and first-aid facilities at both ghats. He also stressed the need for proper barricading, effective crowd management and smooth movement of devotees to avoid congestion and ensure safety. He asked all concerned departments to coordinate and address any shortcomings without delay. The minister expressed satisfaction with the preparations made by the municipal corporation but stressed that all arrangements must be maintained throughout the festival. Mayor Sushma Kharkwal said the LMC had made extensive preparations to ensure clean and well-equipped ghats. She directed officials to complete all arrangements on time and ensure that devotees face no inconvenience during the Chhath celebrations. The directive assumes significance as devotees visit the ghats during early morning and evening hours for Chhath rituals, making adequate illumination essential for their safe movement....