Immersion of idols in water bodies is one of the prominent rituals associated with several Hindu festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, etc.
While it has always been part of the tradition over the years, the use of synthetic materials like Plaster of Paris (PoP) and artificial colours meant that the festivities began taking a toll on the environment, especially the on the rivers, ponds, and lakes where the idols were immersed.
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It reached a point where rivers and other water bodies began resembling a garbage dump for days after the immersions are over.?
Over the years there have been various attempts to regulate and restrict the idol immersions with little to no effect.
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But this year, so far the authorities have been put on notice to act tough on idol immersions and that has shown results.
Following the order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), there was a blanket ban on the immersion of Ganesha idols in River Yamuna this year. While thousands showed up at various immersion spots with idols they were told that the river was off-limits for the visarjan.
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Tests carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board after Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Puja last year revealed high increases in the concentration of chromium, lead, nickel, and mercury, leaving the Yamuna water unfit even for bathing. The same restrictions will be in place for the upcoming festivals also.
Probably the biggest and the most significant restoration on idol immersion in any waterbody came recently from the Central Government which has banned immersion of idols in the Hindu holy river of Ganga and its tributaries.
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The National Mission For Clean Ganga (NMCG) has issued directives to 15 Ganga basin states banning immersion of idols in the Ganga or its tributaries during festivals, including Dussehra, Diwali, Chhath and Saraswati Puja.
Over the years there has been a tough crackdown on the use of synthetic material non-biodegradable material, Plaster of Paris (POP), baked clay, resin fibers, and thermocol for making idols for the festivals. But this year, for Ganesh Visarjan, cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru among others saw a significant drop in the number of non-biodegradable idols.
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Some estimate suggests that in Bengaluru only less than 2 percent of the idols this year were made of PoP.
This has been a question that always pops up whenever there is a discussion about banning idol immersion in rivers and lakes. This year during the Ganesh Visarjan, Delhi successfully tacked this problem using temporary ponds.
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There were a total of 116 artificial ponds across Delhi where devotees were allowed to immerse their idols. However, it is yet to be seen if the same can be repeated during the upcoming Durga Puja.