Timely decision: No Chhath Puja at Rabindra and Subhas Sarobar

Source:-https://www.telegraphindia.com

Sir — The decision by the Supreme Court last Thursday to uphold the directives by the Calcutta High Court and the National Green Tribunal banning Chhath Puja rituals in Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar must be lauded (“Sacred and profane”, Nov 21). Rabindra Sarobar, known as ‘lake’ to the locals, is home to three species of turtles, common toads, bullfrogs, cricket frogs, squirrels and several species of butterflies, dragonflies and snakes, among others.

Every year after the festivities, the water bodies at Rabindra Sarobar are extremely polluted, causing immeasurable harm to the environment. The NGT’s order was grossly violated in 2018 and 2019 when scores of devotees broke the gates of Rabindra Sarobar to perform Chhath Puja rituals with loud music and firecrackers. In those instances, the government had looked the other way. The petition of the Calcutta Metropolitan Development Authority and the Calcutta Municipal Corporation urging the apex court to interfere with the directions of the Calcutta High Court and the NGT proves that the authorities continue to opt for populist tactics to appease the people to the detriment of the environment. It is time that the administration sets its priorities right.

Sir — Perhaps the best way to arrest pollution would be to reform festive rituals, especially those that lead to the desecration of natural resources. The Supreme Court has rightly upheld the Calcutta High Court’s ban on Chhath Puja rituals at Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar. The appeal by the CMDA and the CMC to the Supreme Court to review the high court and the NGT’s directives, however, reeks of populism. It is unfortunate that the lackadaisical attitude of the administration in protecting the environment has forced the courts to intervene in such matters.

While it is the responsibility of the government to protect the environment, nothing can change without a conscious effort on the part of the people. It is necessary to update traditions in keeping with the needs of the time. Rituals and customs, while important, must not become a cause for environmental degradation. Hopefully people will soon see the merit in this decision and find alternative ways of celebrating the festival.