Six clubs near Rabindra Sarobar to close for Chhath Puja
The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority has ordered the closure of clubs to prevent entry for Chhath celebrations at the lake.
Six clubs located around Rabindra Sarobar will remain closed from 2pm on Saturday until 2pm on Monday to prevent entry for Chhath celebrations, according to The Telegraph India.
The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has instructed the clubs to ensure no one enters the premises during this period. The Anderson Club, Calcutta Sports Association, and Lake Friends are located within the Sarobar premises, while Lake Club, Calcutta Rowing Club, and Bengal Rowing Club are situated along the lake.
Debabrata Dutta, joint secretary of Lake Club, said the club has informed members of the KMDA directive and will close at 2pm on Saturday. A KMDA official stated that all 12 gates of the Sarobar will be secured with bamboo and tin by Saturday afternoon.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned Chhath celebrations at the ecologically sensitive Sarobar in 2017, a restriction upheld by the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court. The ban aims to protect ecosystems, bird populations, and water quality from pollution caused by offerings and loud music.
Police officers have been instructed to ensure no entry for celebrations at Rabindra Sarobar and Subhas Sarobar, with personnel posted at strategic locations. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has arranged 124 ghats for rituals this year, including 30 along the Hooghly and 86 at local ponds.
Authorities have also decided to keep Ma-er Ghat in Bagbazar closed, with alternative arrangements made at Kashi Mitra Ghat. Devotees may also use nearby ghats at Kumartuli, Chapatala, and Bagbazar for rituals.