NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking permission for Chhath Puja at the Geeta Colony Ghats along the Yamuna riverbed due to severe pollution.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela emphasised that the current pollution levels in the river render it unsafe for ceremonial activities.
“Given the alarming state of pollution in the Yamuna, it would be harmful for devotees to use the river for Chhath Puja,” the court stated.
The Delhi government, represented by counsel Santosh Kumar Tripathi, informed the court that the river remains highly contaminated and that over 1,000 alternative sites across the city have been designated for safe Chhath Puja celebrations.
He assured the court that all necessary arrangements have been made at these alternative locations to accommodate the devotees.
Referring to the court’s recent observations in the Shabnam Burney case, where it acknowledged the unprecedented pollution levels in the Yamuna, the bench noted, “Considering the facts and with Chhath Puja starting tomorrow, no favourable orders can be passed in this PIL. The petition is therefore dismissed.”
The petitioner’s counsel argued for a reassessment of the complete ban on riverbed gatherings, suggesting that targeted clean-up efforts could make the area viable.
The Chief Justice responded that effective river cleaning is an extensive endeavour, highlighting the persistent issue of untreated sewage flowing into the river from unauthorised settlements along its banks.
He also expressed disappointment over the lack of political will to address the issue.