Delhi HC halts Chhath Puja at Yamuna, citing severe health hazards

The Delhi High Court has ruled against allowing Chhath Puja celebrations at the Yamuna river bank near Geeta Colony, citing the severe pollution levels in the river as a health hazard to devotees. The bench, led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, expressed significant concerns about the impact of the river’s pollution on those performing the ritual.

“It will be very harmful to you. The fact is that the river is so polluted that if you dip into it, there is the likelihood that… a person will suffer harm,” the bench observed, underscoring the risks associated with immersing in the Yamuna’s polluted waters. “We can’t allow that. The river itself is highly polluted,” the judges stated.

The decision was made in response to requests from certain groups who wanted to perform Chhath Puja, a major Hindu festival that includes offering prayers to the Sun god along water bodies. The court, however, prioritized the health and safety of the public, deeming it inappropriate to allow the ritual at a location with such high pollution levels.

Environmental reports have frequently highlighted the Yamuna river’s dire condition, with industrial waste and untreated sewage contributing to its contamination. Experts warn that immersion in the river poses health risks, including exposure to toxins and harmful bacteria, which the court took into account in its decision.

While devotees expressed disappointment, the court encouraged them to consider safer, alternative locations designated by the Delhi government. The government has set up numerous artificial water tanks across the city to enable the celebration of Chhath Puja without exposure to harmful pollutants.

This is not the first time authorities have restricted access to the Yamuna for public events, as similar measures have been taken in the past to prevent pollution-related health risks. Officials reiterated their commitment to finding long-term solutions to address the pollution in the Yamuna while ensuring public safety during religious events.

The Delhi government has promised to increase efforts to clean the Yamuna, but the high court’s decision reflects the ongoing challenges associated with pollution control in one of the city’s primary water bodies.