Historic Judges Ghat reopens with new look after Rs 4.5 cr makeover on Hooghly’s banks

The renovation introduced ritual areas, a canopy, and redesigned steps, with the project spearheaded by the Prerna Foundation.

One of the city’s most active ghats for idol immersions and last rites, Judges Ghat has received a major makeover.

Inaugurated by Calcutta Mayor Firhad Hakim on Wednesday evening, the renovated ghat now includes dedicated ritual areas, changing rooms, a new staircase to the river, and a canopy for weather protection.

The Prerna Foundation, a non-profit backed by prominent business families, renovated the ghat for ₹4.5 crore after years of neglect, corroded steps, and scattered litter.

In 2015, Hemant Bangur, Gloster’s executive chairman and trustee of the Prerna Foundation, visited the ghat to perform post-cremation rites for his father and saw it in disrepair. “The condition of the ghat was very bad,” he told Metro. Today, the restored ghat stands out with its remarkable minimalist design and gorgeous background of the Hooghly River.

Judges Ghat served as the landing spot for British colonial judges and officials by the river.

According to Gautam Chakraborti, former security and historical advisor to the Calcutta port authorities, “Judges Ghat was built in 1774 by Sir Elijah Impey, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at Fort William.” Previously, European authorities usually utilized Chandpal Ghat. Impey’s first experience crossing the Hooghly’s muddy banks disgusted him so much that he determined to construct a respectable landing for men dressed in robes and wigs.

The renovation will benefit many visitors, said Sajjan Bhajanka, chairman of Prerna Foundation and Century Ply. “Many come here during mourning to perform rituals,” he explained.

Work on the renovation began in 2018 but slowed down because the Covid pandemic and conflicting regulations from Calcutta port authorities and Fort William caused delays.

“I had to ask higher authorities to intervene and get the work moving. I explained how it would benefit common people and urged them to grant permission,” said Bangur of Gloster.

At the request of the police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation, we redesigned the steep river steps for smoother idol immersion. “We added a landing between the upper and lower steps to ease access to the river,” Bangur said.

“The Calcutta High Court granted us permission in 2023 with a six-month deadline,” Bangur explained. “After missing the deadline, we sought and obtained an extension in March this year.”

According to a KMC official, numerous private homes in south and central Calcutta rely on Judges Ghat for Durga Puja idol immersion. Major committees such as Suruchi Sangha immerse their idols at the ghat as well.

Pawan Tibrewalla, secretary of Prerna Foundation, said the foundation maintains Nimtala and Ahiritola Ghats and handles the renovation of the Hindu Burial Ground, where children below 12 years are buried.

“I spoke with the chief minister before arriving,” Mayor Hakim said. “I updated her on the renovated ghat and the new crematorium. She stressed the importance of cleanliness.”