Delhi High Court Refuses to Allow Chhath Puja at Yamuna River Bank: “Very Harmful to You”
In a crucial judgment, the Delhi High Court has denied permission for the traditional Chhath Puja celebrations along the Yamuna river banks, citing serious health risks and environmental hazards. The court’s ruling has sparked a debate about balancing religious practices with environmental sustainability, especially as the Yamuna river, one of Delhi’s most important water bodies, continues to suffer from severe pollution.
Chhath Puja is a significant festival for millions of devotees, particularly from the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, where worshippers gather at rivers to offer prayers to the Sun God. The ritual, which includes standing in waist-deep water and offering offerings to the Sun, has traditionally been celebrated along the banks of the Yamuna river in Delhi. However, concerns about the environmental impact of such large gatherings have prompted the court to intervene this year.
Delhi High Court The Court’s Concerns: Environmental Damage and Public Health Risks
The Delhi High Court’s decision is largely driven by alarming reports on the deteriorating state of the Yamuna river. Despite ongoing cleanup initiatives, the river remains severely polluted, with high levels of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and religious offerings adding to its contamination. The court pointed out that mass gatherings at the riverbank during Chhath Puja exacerbate the pollution, further harming the water quality.
In its order, the court specifically highlighted the health risks posed to the public by the practice. With the Yamuna’s waters carrying a range of harmful pollutants and toxic substances, the court warned that immersing oneself in the river could lead to serious health issues, including skin infections and waterborne diseases. The judgment emphasized that the riverbank was “very harmful” to those planning to celebrate the festival at this location, urging the public to reconsider their participation in the traditional manner.
The court’s decision was also influenced by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the risks of large crowds gathering at public spaces being a significant concern. The court pointed out that the safety of the devotees could be jeopardized due to the challenges in maintaining social distancing and ensuring health protocols during large-scale gatherings.
Delhi High Court Government’s Efforts and Alternative Suggestions
In response to the court’s ruling, the Delhi government has stepped in with suggestions to ensure that Chhath Puja can still be celebrated in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. The government has proposed alternative locations for the ritual, where safety measures and better sanitation practices can be implemented. These sites are intended to provide a safer space for devotees to celebrate while also preserving the health of the river.
Additionally, the Delhi government has suggested that instead of immersing offerings in the Yamuna, devotees can use eco-friendly alternatives like artificial ponds or pre-designated areas where the environmental impact is minimized. The court has supported these measures, urging the public to adopt more sustainable practices that would not only protect the environment but also reduce the health risks associated with traditional celebrations.
The Struggle Between Tradition and Sustainability Delhi High Court
While the Delhi High Court’s ruling is an important step in addressing the urgent need to clean the Yamuna, it has been met with mixed reactions. Devotees and religious leaders have expressed their disappointment, stressing the deep cultural and religious significance of Chhath Puja. Many argue that the festival holds immense spiritual value and should be observed without hindrance.
However, environmental activists have supported the court’s decision, pointing out that the relentless pollution of the Yamuna has already reached a critical point. They argue that the public must adapt their practices to the current environmental challenges, emphasizing that the long-term health of the river and the people who rely on it is far more important than continuing traditions that harm the ecosystem.
Future of Yamuna’s Restoration and Public Engagement Delhi High Court
The court’s decision brings to light the need for an ongoing dialogue between religious communities, the government, and environmentalists to find practical solutions that honor both cultural traditions and ecological well-being. The judgment serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations and the need to reassess practices that may contribute to environmental degradation.
As Chhath Puja approaches, authorities are expected to intensify their efforts to clean up the Yamuna and implement stricter regulations on religious offerings and pollution control. Environmental experts argue that public awareness campaigns on the importance of protecting the river and using eco-friendly alternatives can go a long way in preserving the health of the Yamuna.
This ruling could set a precedent for future religious events along the river, encouraging a more sustainable approach to celebrations that respects both cultural heritage and environmental preservation. The road to restoring the Yamuna will require collective action, and the court’s intervention highlights the need for an urgent shift towards more sustainable practices that protect both the river and the health of the people.
Delhi High Court: As Delhi continues to battle pollution and works towards restoring the Yamuna, the case will undoubtedly serve as an important moment in shaping how future religious and cultural events are celebrated in a manner that prioritizes both tradition and the planet’s well-being.
