Bengal may allow Chhath Puja at Rabindra Sarobar despite court ban

You don’t have any Active Subscription.

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul. | Photo Credit: ANI

The West Bengal government may allow Chhath Puja celebrations at the Rabindra Sarobar lake, said Minister Agnimitra Paul on Wednesday (November 4, 2026). This comes despite a National Green Tribunal order which had clamped down on the celebrations at this lake, an order that was upheld by the Calcutta High Court and subsequently the Supreme Court of India. 

The restrictions on the lake, one of the biggest freshwater bodies in the city were imposed to protect the ecology of the water body caused by the ritual offerings and immersion materials used during the festivities. 

“Why can’t Rabindra Sarobar be allowed? Where will the people of the locality go? We will take precautions and remove everything immediately and not create any pollution. The Chief Minister also wants this. But stopping Hindus from their rituals, we will not allow this like the last government,“ Ms Paul asked. 

Ms Paul was inspecting various Ganga ghats on Wednesday for the upcoming Chhath Puja preparations. Other senior officials were also present with the minister. 

“This is included in the national conservation plan. Once this lake is already in the conservation scheme and funds are being released to protect the place, then how can the same government ask for such festivals to be held here which can adversely affect the ecology of the place?” Subhas Dutta, senior environmental activist told The Hindu on Wednesday. He was one of the leading advocates who helped in including the Rabindra Sarobar lake in the national conservation plan to protect its ecology. 

Mr Dutta added that a footfall of over 40,000 people at the lake on the two days of Chhath Puja can have major negative impact on the waterbody. 

The Rabindra Sarobar lake is often referred to as the lungs of the city and is a major popular site for morning walkers, nature lovers, and tourists. The lake and its surrounding green park are also home to many migratory birds during the winter season. 

After the court order in 2017, the Chhath Puja celebrations were barred at the 73-acre waterbody. However, local devotees violated the order for the next few years. 

During Chhath Puja celebrations firecrackers which produce sound and smoke are also used in the area, things which can cause environmental concerns for the ecologically sensitive zone. 

The then Trinamool Congress government made stricter rules and conducted heavy-handed enforcement of the rules from 2019. Many environmental activists and morning walker groups also rallied for the ban to be imposed to protect the ecologically sensitive lake. 

Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the Sun god will be observed on November 15 and 16. 

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.