Protecting Mumbai's Natural Lakes from Chhath Puja Pollution
MUMBAI, Oct. 27 -- Environmentalist Rohit Manohar Joshi has issued a legal notice to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), urging them to prevent any immersions or ritual offerings in natural water bodies during the upcoming Chhath Puja festivities.
The notice, issued through advocate Ronita Bhattacharya Bector, seeks enforcement and compliance with the MPCP's August 26 order and the Bombay High Court's September 4 order banning the immersion of idols in natural water bodies, including Banganga Talao. These directives were initially issued in August ahead of the Ganapati festival but will also apply to the Chhath Puja festivities (October 25-28) and the immersions that will take place during and after these festivities.
The MPCB guidelines, issued under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, prohibit immersions in natural water bodies and direct civic authorities to provide artificial tanks for the immersions. Advocate Bhattacharya Bector notes that the same regulatory framework has been in place since 2021 to prevent contamination of urban water systems, although compliance remains a challenge.
The notice emphasizes that the high court had previously upheld the legality of the MPCB's August 26 guidelines. In September, the court dismissed a plea by a Malabar Hill resident who sought permission to immerse an eco-friendly idol of Lord Ganesha at Banganga. The court ruled that 'the right to clean air and clean water has attained the status of a fundamental right of every citizen. The larger public issues and interests of the general public would outweigh the concerns of the individual citizen.' The bench further observed that the pollution control authorities had acted 'in the interest of the general public' and ensured that the MPCB's guidelines were 'undisturbed and in full effect.'
Relying on these earlier judgments, Joshi's notice states that it is the duty of the BMC and the MPCB to 'strictly enforce these prohibitions and ensure that no immersions or offerings take place in the Banganga River or the adjoining tank during the forthcoming Chhath Puja celebrations.' Joshi urges the civic body to issue public notices, deploy ward-level personnel to monitor the area, and provide 'alternate, adequately prepared artificial immersion tanks for devotees.'
The notice warns that 'any failure to act in compliance with the high court's judgment and the MPCB directions will amount to wilful disobedience of court orders.' Bector said the notice stems from Joshi's campaign for the ecological preservation of Banganga Talao, a heritage water body that holds significant cultural and environmental value for the city of Mumbai.
Banganga Talao, located in the historic Malabar Hill area, is not only a vital water resource but also a site of religious and cultural importance. Protecting it from pollution is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and ensuring the well-being of the local community. Joshi's efforts highlight the need for a balanced approach that respects both religious traditions and environmental conservation.
As the Chhath Puja festivities approach, it is essential for all stakeholders, including the BMC, MPCB, and the public, to work together to ensure that the celebrations are both spiritually fulfilling and environmentally responsible. By providing alternative immersion options and enforcing the existing regulations, the city can set a positive example for sustainable practices during religious festivals.
