In a decisive move, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday denied permission for the Chhath Puja celebrations at the Yamuna riverbank near Geeta Colony. Citing significant health hazards due to the alarmingly high pollution levels, the bench, led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, issued a stern warning against the use of the river for any religious rites.
“The river’s condition is perilously polluted. Engaging in such activities in the river could be very harmful,” Chief Justice Manmohan remarked during the hearing. He emphasized the potential health risks involved, noting, “The fact is that the river is so polluted that if you dip into it, there is a likelihood that a person will suffer harm. We can’t allow that.”
This ruling was reinforced by the unsettling sight of thick, toxic foam floating on the surface of the Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj, signaling no improvement in the pollution levels that have plagued the river for years.
Despite the court’s ruling, the first day of Chhath Puja saw numerous devotees immerse themselves in the waters of the Yamuna, undeterred by the toxic foam. Chhath Puja, a festival that involves offering prayers to the Sun God, is particularly significant among the Purvanchali community—comprising Bhojpuri-speaking people from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. This community forms a substantial portion of the electorate in Delhi, representing 30-40% of voters, with the upcoming assembly elections looming early next year.
