‘Cauvery aarti’ plan at Bengaluru’s Sankey Tank triggers controversy

BENGALURU: The state's move to organise the first ‘Cauvery aarti' at Sankey Tank Friday has snowballed into a controversy: While the govt maintains it is inspired by Varanasi's Ganga aarti and aims to promote water conversation, a few environmental activists have opposed the move saying it will disturb the ecosystem around the lake.
In fact, BWSSB, which is organising the celebration, plans to make it a grand event with thousands of people participating. The aim is foster community bonding over water. However, two advocates have knocked on the doors of the high court seeking its intervention in stopping the programme.

Their petition highlights that according to Section 12 of Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority Act, 2014, no govt or private entity can hold any business, event or recreational activity within 30 metres of the tank boundary. Geetha Misra, who has filed the petition, said if it is a Cauvery aarti, it should be done where Cauvery river originates.
"We completely respect the religious sentiments behind Cauvery aarti. Paying devotion to the river, offering prayers and lighting lamps is a beautiful tradition. However, the issue arises when this event is turned into a commercial or entertainment-based gathering with DJs, orchestra and large temporary constructions within the buffer zone of Sankey Tank. This is not part of our culture, and such activities violate the waterbody's sanctity," she said.
"If this event is allowed, it sets a dangerous precedent where religious and cultural sentiments are misused for commercial purposes. Sankey Tank is home to migratory birds and aquatic life, and any disturbance to its ecosystem is unacceptable. Our fight isn't against devotion but against harming our environment under the guise of celebration," she added.
Mishra, the petitioner in an eight-year-old PIL concerning Bengaluru's lakes, has moved an interlocutory application (IA) in her pending plea, seeking a direction to the authorities to stop the proposed programme and stop and remove all construction activities — temporary, permanent or otherwise — on the buffer zone of Sankey Tank. The IA is likely to come up for hearing in a day or two.
GR Mohan, an advocate fighting the case, said, "The Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority Act, under Section 12, strictly prohibits any cultural or commercial activity on lakes. Despite this, events continue to take place, violating the law. In a similar case involving Mallathahalli Lake, contempt proceedings were initiated and officials had to provide an undertaking to the court. Now, with this programme at Sankey Tank, we've sought the court's intervention to stop further violations. BWSSB hasn't received permission from the Karnataka Tank Conservation Authority, making this event unlawful."
What is planned
The event will feature traditional rituals performed by priests from Varanasi, a grand procession and a special puja. The aarti will also include a lighting display, a laser show and live orchestra performances.
In a symbolic gesture, water from Bhagamandala, where the Cauvery originates, will be distributed as prasada to attendees. The water authority has taken the lead in organising the event, expecting a turnout of over 10,000 people, including its employees and their families.