Bengal government may permit Chhath Puja at Rabindra Sarobar despite court ban

The West Bengal government may permit the celebration of Chhath Puja at Kolkata's Rabindra Sarobar lake. Minister Agnimitra Paul provided this information on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. It is noteworthy that the National Green Tribunal had imposed a ban on celebrations at this lake, an order that was upheld by the Calcutta High Court and subsequently by the Supreme Court.

Raising questions on the matter, Minister Agnimitra Paul said, “Why can't permission be given for Rabindra Sarobar? Where will the local people go? We will take necessary precautions and remove everything immediately so that no pollution occurs. The Chief Minister also desires this. However, regarding preventing Hindus from their religious rituals, we will not allow this to happen as the previous government did.”

This statement came while Minister Agnimitra Paul was inspecting various Ganga Ghats on Wednesday to observe preparations for the upcoming Chhath Puja. Other senior officials were also present during this inspection.

On the other hand, environmentalists are opposing this decision. Senior environmentalist Subhash Dutta told The Hindu that this lake is included in the national conservation scheme. He questioned how the same government, when the lake is already in a conservation scheme and funds are being released to save it, can demand the holding of such festivals that could have an adverse impact on the environment?

Subhash Dutta, who played a significant role in including Rabindra Sarobar in the national conservation scheme, added that more than 40,000 people could crowd the lake during the two days of Chhath Puja, which could have a major negative impact on the water body.

Rabindra Sarobar lake is known as the 'lungs' of the city. It is an extremely popular spot for morning walkers, nature lovers, and tourists. This lake and its surrounding green garden serve as a home to many migratory birds during the winter. Restrictions were imposed here because religious materials and immersion items used during the festival cause damage to the aquatic environment.

Furthermore, the use of firecrackers that produce noise and smoke during Chhath Puja is a matter of concern for this environmentally sensitive zone. Following a court order in 2017, celebrations of Chhath Puja were banned in this 73-acre reservoir. However, for several years following that, local devotees violated this order.

Since 2019, the then Trinamool Congress government had made these rules stricter and ensured strict implementation. Environmentalists and morning walker groups had also demanded the imposition of bans to protect this sensitive lake.

The festival of Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God, will be celebrated on 15 and 16 November.

Rabindra Sarobar is a large freshwater reservoir in Kolkata city, known for its surrounding greenery and environmental importance.