States » EastPosted at: Nov 15 2026 1:23PM


Rabindra Sarobar sealed for Chhath Puja, 163 alternative ghats arranged across Kolkata

Kolkata, Nov 15 (UNI) The West Bengal government has once again denied permission for Chhath Puja celebrations at Rabindra Sarobar in South Kolkata, keeping in force the restrictions imposed in compliance with the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) directions to protect the waterbody from pollution.
The 12 gates of the lake, popularly known as the lungs of the city, have been sealed, with bamboo barricades erected outside to prevent devotees from entering the premises.
The restrictions will remain in force from Saturday afternoon until Monday afternoon.
A large contingent of police personnel, led by an IPS officer, has been deployed to ensure that no one gains access to the lake by scaling the gates or finding gaps in the barricades.
Notices have also been put up outside the entrances, warning people against entering the premises during the restricted period.
The administration has stepped up security to ensure that the waterbody and its surrounding environment remain protected during the festival.
Representatives of the West Bengal Pollution Control Board inspected Rabindra Sarobar on Saturday and welcomed the government's decision to enforce the restrictions.
At the same time, the government has made alternative arrangements for Chhath devotees.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has prepared 163 alternative ghats across the city, while artificial waterbodies have also been created at several locations to facilitate the rituals without putting pressure on the city's ecologically sensitive waterbodies.
The decision comes against the backdrop of a controversy earlier this month over the possibility of allowing Chhath Puja at Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar.
During an inspection of preparations at the Ganga ghats, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul had indicated that the government was considering the possibility of restoring permission for the festival at the two lakes.
Her remarks triggered protests from environmentalists and opposition parties.
Environmentalists Subhas Datta, Mohit Roy and Somendramohan Ghosh approached the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), citing the NGT's directions and urging the authorities not to allow Chhath Puja at Rabindra Sarobar.
Within 24 hours, Paul clarified that the government could not go against the environmental tribunal's order.
She also said that 50 alternative water bodies would be made available for devotees as substitutes for Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar.
Chhath Puja has been prohibited at the two lakes since 2017, following an NGT order aimed at preventing pollution and protecting their ecological balance.
In 2020, the previous Trinamool Congress government had also approached the Supreme Court seeking permission to hold the festival at the lakes but failed to secure relief and had to continue with the restrictions.
Since then, the administration has sealed the entrances to Rabindra Sarobar during Chhath Puja every year.
This year, too, the authorities have opted for strict enforcement of the environmental restrictions, while making alternative arrangements for devotees across Kolkata.
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Tags: #Rabindra Sarobar sealed for Chhath Puja# 163 alternative ghats arranged across Kolkata
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