HC allows ‘Cauvery Aarti’ at Sankey Tank

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday permitted the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to conduct the ‘Cauvery Aarti’ Puja at Sankey Tank on Friday, March 21, LiveLaw reported. Ever since the announcement, citizens and activists have opposed the program. An Interlocutory Application was filed in the High Court to stop the event, claiming that permanent structures had been put up near the lake bed, violating rules under the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA) Act, 2014.

However, a division bench of Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice K V Aravind dismissed the application filed by Geeta Misra and assured that the authorities would not violate the Act. The court, as quoted in LiveLaw, noted, “The Authorities shall, while conducting the Aarti, ensure that public movement or gathering is managed to maintain law and order and that the provisions regarding prohibited acts in water bodies shall be observed.” This statement came after assurances from government bodies like the BWSSB and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Appearing for the petitioner, advocate G R Mohan was quoted as saying, “We are not against any Aarti being conducted, but they can't put up permanent structures, destroy the water bodies, and affect the life of birds.” However, the bench observed that the nature of the application was “casual.” “The pleadings in the application are too cursory to be countenanced. Not only is there no substantiation of the allegations made, except for the production of photographs and newspaper reports, but the filing of such an application is to be deprecated,” the bench further stated. Appearing for the government, Advocate General K Shashikiran Shetty assured the court that no such construction had taken place.

Cauvery Aarti govt programme, not political one: Deputy CM DKS

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday asserted that the Cauvery Aarti at Sankey Tank is a government initiative, not a political event. Addressing reporters, Shivakumar said, "The government has planned the Cauvery Aarti at Sankey Tank as part of its water conservation efforts. This is purely a government programme, though some have moved to court against it. We will present our case legally." Highlighting the need for water conservation, he said many people misuse drinking water for washing cars and watering gardens. To address this, the government will organise an oath-taking event to promote responsible water usage.

He also recalled that the government had previously announced Cauvery Aarti at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam, and Sankey Tank has now been included in the initiative. The decision to hold the aarti at this location was made after evaluating multiple sites, he added. Shivakumar pointed out that Sankey Tank has hosted various public events, including Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations and an MLA's birthday.

However, some BJP leaders have challenged the aarti in court. "We will put forth our stance before the court. This is not a political event, and I urge the public to participate in large numbers to raise awareness about water conservation," he added.