Ratha Matra at Kolkata Maidan

BY: PRABHIR GHOSE

Maidan, Kolkata

Jun 30, 2011 — KOLKATA, INDIA (ALL VOICES) — The protectors of the greenery of Kolkata headed by Subhas Dutta, the well known environmentalist, have taken strong objection to the permission granted to ISKCON to hold the annual Rath Mela of Lord Jagannath in the Maidan.

The huge sprawling open space known as the Maidan in Kolkata is the only real stretch of greenery that is still available in the metropolis – and is considered to be the heart and lungs of the city.

It is owned by the Military, namely the Fort William authorities, and the Kolkata High Court has already ruled that this Maidan cannot be used to hold any meetings or gatherings because that would result in severe damages to the environment. Accordingly, the Kolkata Book Fair had to be shifted out from the Maidan to its new location and political rallies have been banned in this Maidan.

Apparently, the ISKCON had approached the Kolkata Municipal Corporation for permission to hold their annual program in one of the parks but was denied permission. Therefore, they approached the Ministry of Defense directly and obtained the necessary permission.