The Calcutta High Court has permitted the performance of Chhath Puja at Sagardighi Ghat in Cooch Behar on November 15 and 16, despite environmental restrictions imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the use of non-biodegradable materials and immersions at the water body.

Justice Krishna Rao passed the order as a special case, considering the limited time left for the festival and an undertaking given by the petitioners that they would ensure that no pollution was caused to the water body.

The Court took note of an NGT order prohibiting such immersions at the ghat on account of environmental concerns. However, the petitioners submitted that they would comply with the NGT's directions, refrain from using non-biodegradable materials and ensure that the ghat was cleaned after the rituals.

The respondents suggested that the petitioners could conduct the puja at an alternative venue. However, the petitioners opposed the suggestion, stating that it would be difficult for devotees to travel to the alternative location.

Taking these submissions into consideration, the Court observed:

"This court finds that the petitioners have given an undertaking that they shall abide by the directions of the NGT to ensure that no non-biodegradable material will be used and that they will ensure the cleanliness. Given the shortage of time, as a special case, this court directs the respondent to make necessary arrangements to perform Chhath Puja on 15th November and 16th November at Sagardighi Ghat with proper compliance of NGT orders."

The Court specifically directed the petitioners not to use any plastic material, maintain cleanliness in the area and make arrangements for proper waste disposal.

It clarified that the order was being passed only because the rituals were scheduled to take place on November 15 and there was insufficient time for the State to make any further arrangements.

The Court also noted that the petitioners had been approaching it repeatedly for permission to conduct the puja. Accordingly, it directed the administration to make necessary arrangements for devotees to perform Chhath Puja at the venue next year so that the petitioners would not have to approach the Court again for further orders.