Once again the Calcutta High Court has stepped in to save the environment and society at large from sound and air pollution during Diwali and Chhath.
The Court on Tuesday directed the administration to ensure that only two persons were allowed to offer prayers at the ponds during Chath. The Court also banned offering of prayers at two of Kolkata’s heritage sites Rabindra Sarovar and Subhas Sarovar during the festival directing the administration to ensure that no foot-procession was allowed during the Chath and no sale of cracker was done.
Earlier the Court on November 5 ordered a ban on bursting of all kinds of crackers or fireworks for Kali Puja, Diwali, in West Bengal, besides putting a ban on the sale of firecrackers in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
A division bench of justices Sanjib Banerjee and Arijit Banerjee gave the direction while hearing Public Interest Litigations (PILs).
The Court said that, “sanitizers and masks are mandatory during the festive season of Kali Puja and Diwali. Social distancing norms to be adhered to. No processions with sound and light will be allowed for Kali Puja idol immersion.”
The Court had earlier banned mass entry of visitors inside Durga Puja pandals in pandemic situation.
