Today, the Delhi High Court denied permission for devotees to perform Chhath Puja at the Yamuna riverbank in Geeta Colony, citing concerns over the river's high pollution levels.

“It will be very harmful to you. The fact is that the river is so polluted that if you dip into it, there is the likelihood that…… person will suffer harm. We can’t allow that. The river itself is highly polluted,” a bench of Chief Justice Manmohan & Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said.

The counsel for Delhi government, Santosh Kumar Tripathi, informed the High Court that the Yamuna River is currently heavily polluted, and allowing devotees to perform Chhath Puja on its banks could risk their health.

Further, he added that the Delhi government has designated 1,000 alternative sites across the city for Chhath Puja celebrations, ensuring adequate arrangements at these locations.

Citing its recent decision in the Shabnam Burney case, the High Court highlighted the record-high pollution levels in the Yamuna. This ruling comes amid reports of thick toxic foam floating in the river near Kalindi Kunj, underscoring the river’s severe contamination.

On Tuesday, despite the pollution, many devotees participated in the Chhath Puja ritual bath in the Yamuna, braving the toxic foam covering the water's surface. Chhath Puja is an important festival for Delhi’s Purvanchali community, comprised of Bhojpuri-speaking people from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, who make up 30-40 percent of Delhi’s voter base. This demographic holds significant political influence ahead of the assembly elections early next year.