With an aim to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection, Mumbai's civic body has said that it will not allow Chhath Puja at beaches and riverbanks. In a release, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai said the city police will have to ensure that people do not crowd at riversides on 20th evening for sunset rituals and on 21st for the sunrise ritual.<br />'' <br />''The civic body said the decision has been taken as it will be impossible for people to maintain adequate social distancing and other COVID norms, if allowed to gather near water bodies.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">It said concerned officials will permit limited public gatherings at artificial ponds so that people can offer prayers to the Sun God. Additional Municipal Commissioner Suresh Kakani has said that necessary medical teams equipped with PPE and testing kits will be placed at various locations where artificial ponds have been set up.</span><br />