States » EastPosted at: Nov 4 2026 8:26PM


UDMA minister Agnimitra Paul surveys Jodhpur Park waterbody for Chhath Puja

Kolkata, Nov 4 (UNI) The West Bengal government’s urban development and municipal affairs department (UDMA) led by minister Agnimitra Paul on Wednesday carried out a survey at a waterbody near Jodhpur Park in south Kolkata to make arrangements for Chhath Puja celebrations.
The festival cannot be held at Rabindra Sarobar or Subhas Sarobar under existing court restrictions.
Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Pal who led the inspection team at the waterbody on Wednesday said the state government was preparing 50 alternative ghats across south Kolkata for devotees to perform Chatth rituals.
The inspection follows Pal's initial suggestion that the government was considering allowing Chhath Puja at Rabindra Sarobar this year. She had said she discussed the possibility with Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari, who was also keen to allow the celebrations.
However, the proposal prompted objections from environmentalists, who pointed out that judicial restrictions on the two lakes remained in force. Pal subsequently clarified that the government could not go against the court's directions and that alternative arrangements would be made.
“This waterbody is very close to Rabindra Sarobar. If permission is not granted for celebrations at Rabindra Sarobar, we are making arrangements for 50 waterbodies in south Kolkata for the non-Bengali community to celebrate Chhath Puja,” she said.
The ban on Chhath celebrations at Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar follows a series of proceedings before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court.
Environmental activist Subhas Datta had approached the NGT over concerns that large gatherings during Chhath Puja were damaging the lakes' ecosystems through water and noise pollution.
The NGT imposed restrictions on celebrations at the lakes in 2017. Although the tribunal had allowed a one-off exception for that year's festival, the subsequent restrictions remained in force.
The ban was challenged after groups of devotees entered Rabindra Sarobar in 2018 and 2019, allegedly violating the tribunal's directions. The Calcutta High Court upheld the restrictions in November 2020.
The matter subsequently reached the Supreme Court after the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) challenged the restrictions. On November 19, 2020, the apex court declined to interfere with the orders.
Environmentalists have opposed any attempt to revive celebrations at the lakes without the necessary judicial clearance.
Subhas Datta said the state government would have to approach the Supreme Court if it wanted to change the existing position.
“The court's order does not depend on the wishes of the Chief Minister or the Prime Minister. If the puja takes place, the matter will certainly be brought to the notice of the Supreme Court,” he said.
Pal said the government would take environmental considerations into account while making arrangements for the festival.
She added that officials had also inspected ghats along the Ganga by speedboat to assess preparations.
With celebrations at Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar ruled out under the existing restrictions, the state government is preparing alternative venues across south Kolkata for Chhath Puja.
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Tags: #UDMA minister Agnimitra Paul surveys Jodhpur Park waterbody for Chhath Puja
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