Significance can’t be overlooked, says Delhi HC as it grants nod to Dussehra celebrations at Janakpuri District Park
A division bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Neena Bansal Krishna on Thursday said Dussehra/Ramleela celebrations/Mela shall be held in accordance with all the norms applicable and by taking “all the precautions including safety, traffic, fire arrangement, etc”.
3 min read
Permitting Shri Ram Leela Committee, Janakpuri, to host Dussehra celebrations at the District Park in the area starting Thursday till October 30, the Delhi High Court observed that while “socio-cultural religious programmes in the District Parks lead to environment pollution and cause serious damage to the trees”, their “significance and importance” cannot be overlooked.
A division bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Neena Bansal Krishna on Thursday said Dussehra/Ramleela celebrations/Mela shall be held in accordance with all the norms applicable and by taking “all the precautions including safety, traffic, fire arrangement, etc”.
It stated: “The appellants shall ensure that no damage or harm is caused to the green cover/trees already existing in the ground.”
The HC said that it had passed the order only with respect to the specific issue of granting permission to hold the Ramleela for the dates as specified.
The committee had filed the plea seeking permission to hold the celebrations during the given period, claiming it had been doing so for over 30 years in the District Park, Janakpuri, after taking permission from the Land Owning Agency i.e. DDA, adding they have been complying with all the terms and conditions regarding cleanliness and environment.
The HC said that prima facie, it appeared that while the “major portion of the park is being used as District Park, a small portion of that area is being used as a Multipurpose Ground, as is reflected in Master Plan Delhi-2021”. The bench observed that the entire confusion had arisen because this part of the ground is being considered as a District Park which appears to be distinct and exists opposite this Multipurpose Ground.
“However, without going into this controversy and also considering that the matter is pending before the learned Single Judge to be considered on merits, no final expression on merits is expressed,” the bench said. The bench also said that its order does not vary the directions given by the single judge in its “Order dated 18.08.2023” to the DDA/Deputy Conservative Forests to plant trees and to take steps for its beautification for the welfare of the residents of the colony.
The bench began the order with the expression “We are choking!” and noted that the residents of Delhi were gasping for breath. The bench said that the issue requires concerted effort of every individual to make an endeavour to save the city, and for each to be the “active brigade” of “Saviours Of Nature”.
You May Like
