Rambo Circus may not get Mutha river nod

Dilip said permission for holding the circus was sought a year ago, but a few months ago, the authorities communicated that it can’t be allowed. “We tried to persuade the authorities by pointing out that the NGT order does not allow any permanent structure in the blue and red line of the river, while the circus only puts up temporary structures which are removed after it’s over,” he said.

According to the district administration, they have taken up the request of Rambo Circus with the state government, but there has been no response to it. “We can’t help if there are state government and NGT directives on not allowing the riverbed for any activity. We are merely implementing orders,” said an official from the district administration.

In its communication to local civic bodies and government authorities, the irrigation department has informed that the state government has disallowed any activities within the blue line of the river, and the NGT has passed similar directions as well.

“There is a threat of accidents during monsoon, and also when water is discharged if parkings, circuses or any other activities are allowed in the riverbed. These activities also have an adverse impact on the environment and damage the natural beauty,” said Atul Kapole, Superintendent Engineer, Pune Irrigation department.

It has been observed that parkings, entertainment programmes and circuses are being given permissions and at some places, permissions are being given for jogging tracks, footpaths and roads, while debris are being dumped in the riverbed. This violates court directives and amounts to contempt of court.

“The authorities concerned should follow court directions and government orders by putting restrictions on activities and ensure there is no contempt of count,” said an irrigation official.