New Delhi: Forward Durga Puja Celebration, Delhi Pollution Control Committee On Wednesday it banned idol immersion in any reservoir and asked people to immerse them in buckets or containers at home, saying the resultant pollution in rivers and lakes is a matter of concern.
“Idol immersion will not be allowed in any public place including Yamuna river or any other water body/public place/ponds, ghats during the upcoming Durga Puja. The idol immersion ritual can be done in bucket or container in the premises of the house. ” It said in a notification.
It said that on festive occasions like Durga Puja, there has been a tradition to immerse idols in water bodies like rivers, lakes, ponds, wells, and the resulting pollution of such water bodies has been a matter of concern.
“Studies conducted to assess the deterioration in water quality due to idol immersion reveal deterioration in water quality in relation to conductivity, biochemical oxygen demand and heavy metal concentration,” the pollution control body said.
It also prohibited the use of plaster of Paris (POP) or baked clay for making idols and emphasized the use of natural materials like traditional clay, noting that chemical paints, colors applied to such POP idols And the dyes contain dangerous chemicals that cause harmful effects on aquatic life, which when consumed by humans can cause cancer and other diseases, including respiratory illnesses, skin infections, among others.
It said, “Dolls should be made from natural materials mentioned in sacred texts. Use of traditional clay is permitted for the idol. The use of baked clay, plaster of Paris, among others, is prohibited in making the idol.”
Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCCThe painting of idols was also discouraged and said that only water soluble and non-toxic natural dyes should be used if the idols are to be painted.
“The use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes for the painting of idols is strictly prohibited,” it said.
The DPCC also said that worship materials such as flowers, decorative materials (made of paper), are removed before immersion of idols, and can be collected separately for disposal in an environmentally safe manner such as door- Handing over of two-door waste collection vehicles.
It also directed that composting of biodegradable material be made at home, if possible.
With these directions, DPCC directed all concerned agencies to submit action taken report every Friday and violators would be punished.
“It may be noted that contravention of the directions issued under section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, or rules made thereunder shall be punishable under section 41 of the said Act with a maximum imprisonment of Rs. is involved. Six years and with fine,” it said.
It also said that in view of a directive issued by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) on September 16, 2019 prohibiting idol immersion in Ganga and its tributaries, violators are required to pay Rs 50,000 as environmental compensation .
“As per the guidelines for phased reopening of the order dated 30th September, 2021 to extend the existing orders issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs Delhi Disaster Management AuthorityDPCC said, gatherings and gatherings related to social/political/sports/entertainment/cultural/religious festivals are not allowed and should be followed in letter and spirit.
“Idol immersion will not be allowed in any public place including Yamuna river or any other water body/public place/ponds, ghats during the upcoming Durga Puja. The idol immersion ritual can be done in bucket or container in the premises of the house. ” It said in a notification.
It said that on festive occasions like Durga Puja, there has been a tradition to immerse idols in water bodies like rivers, lakes, ponds, wells, and the resulting pollution of such water bodies has been a matter of concern.
“Studies conducted to assess the deterioration in water quality due to idol immersion reveal deterioration in water quality in relation to conductivity, biochemical oxygen demand and heavy metal concentration,” the pollution control body said.
It also prohibited the use of plaster of Paris (POP) or baked clay for making idols and emphasized the use of natural materials like traditional clay, noting that chemical paints, colors applied to such POP idols And the dyes contain dangerous chemicals that cause harmful effects on aquatic life, which when consumed by humans can cause cancer and other diseases, including respiratory illnesses, skin infections, among others.
It said, “Dolls should be made from natural materials mentioned in sacred texts. Use of traditional clay is permitted for the idol. The use of baked clay, plaster of Paris, among others, is prohibited in making the idol.”
Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCCThe painting of idols was also discouraged and said that only water soluble and non-toxic natural dyes should be used if the idols are to be painted.
“The use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes for the painting of idols is strictly prohibited,” it said.
The DPCC also said that worship materials such as flowers, decorative materials (made of paper), are removed before immersion of idols, and can be collected separately for disposal in an environmentally safe manner such as door- Handing over of two-door waste collection vehicles.
It also directed that composting of biodegradable material be made at home, if possible.
With these directions, DPCC directed all concerned agencies to submit action taken report every Friday and violators would be punished.
“It may be noted that contravention of the directions issued under section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, or rules made thereunder shall be punishable under section 41 of the said Act with a maximum imprisonment of Rs. is involved. Six years and with fine,” it said.
It also said that in view of a directive issued by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) on September 16, 2019 prohibiting idol immersion in Ganga and its tributaries, violators are required to pay Rs 50,000 as environmental compensation .
“As per the guidelines for phased reopening of the order dated 30th September, 2021 to extend the existing orders issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs Delhi Disaster Management AuthorityDPCC said, gatherings and gatherings related to social/political/sports/entertainment/cultural/religious festivals are not allowed and should be followed in letter and spirit.
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