New Delhi: Ahead of the Durga idols immersion, which will be conducted as part of Navaratri fete, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee had issued an order prohibiting people from immersing the idols in any water body in order to curb water pollution. It has directed the general public, Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Pandals to immerse the idols within the home premises in a bucket or a container. It also said idol immersions shall not be allowed in any public place, including the River Yamuna or any other water body/public place/ponds and ghats. As per the order, idol immersion at public places can attract a fine of Rs 50,000.
The immersion of idols in rivers, lakes, ponds and wells is polluting them. The toxic chemicals being used in making idols are polluting the water bodies, the order said.
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The committee further stated that the worship material like decorating material (made of paper) should be removed before the immersion of idols and may be collected separately for disposal or hand it over to the door-to-door waste collection vehicle.
Studies carried out to assess the water pollution due to idols immersion found deterioration of water quality, reduction in oxygen levels and heavy metal concentration. "It also prohibited the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) or baked clay for making idols and insisted on the use of only natural material like traditional clay, noting that the chemical paints, colours and dyes applied on such PoP idols contain hazardous chemicals, which cause harmful effects on aquatic life, which when consumed by humans may cause cancer and other diseases, including respiratory ailments and skin infections. idols should be made only from natural material and use of traditional clay was permitted. While the use of baked clay and Plaster of Paris is prohibited," it said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal for permitting Chhath Puja in the national capital.
In his letter, Kejriwal has said that Chhath Puja should be allowed to be celebrated in public as for the last three months Covid is under control in Delhi. He had also stated that neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan have allowed Chhath Puja celebrations with proper Covid protocols in place.
