Bengal may allow Chhath Puja at Rabindra Sarobar despite court order

West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul. | Photo credit: ANI

The West Bengal government may allow Chhath Puja celebrations at the Rabindra Sarobar Lake, Minister Agnimitra Paul said on Wednesday (Nov 04, 2026). This is despite a National Green Tribunal order banning celebrations at the lake, an order that was upheld by the Calcutta High Court and subsequently by the Supreme Court of India.

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

“Why can’t Rabindra Sarobar be allowed? Where will people from the locality go? We will take precautionary measures and remove everything immediately and not create any pollution. This is what the Chief Minister wants. But to stop Hindus from their rituals, we will not allow it like the previous government,” Ms Paul asked.

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

“It is included in the national conservation plan. Once this lake is already in the conservation plan and funds are released to protect the site, how can the same government ask for such festivals to be held here that may adversely affect the ecology of the site?” Subhas Dutta, a senior environmental activist, told The Hindu on Wednesday. He was one of the leading advocates who helped include the Rabindra Sarobar Lake in the National Conservation Plan to protect its ecology.

Mr. Dutta added that the impact of more than 40,000 people at the lake during the two days of Chhath Puja could have a major negative impact on the water body.

Rabindra Sarobar Lake is often referred to as the lungs of the city and is a major popular spot 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.

Following a court order in 2017, Chhath Puja celebrations at the 73-acre water body were blocked. However, the local devotees violated the order for several more years.

Firecrackers are also used in this area during Chhath Puja celebrations which produce sound and smoke which may cause environmental concerns of the ecologically sensitive zone.

The then Trinamool Congress government introduced stricter rules and enforced the rules heavily since 2019. Many environmental activists and early morning walker groups also rallied behind the ban to protect the ecologically sensitive lake.

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

Published – 05 Nov 2026 10:23 IST