Immersion of idols in rivers lead to pollution fear

Jamshedpur: Immersion of idols of Goddess Durga in the rivers Swarnarekha and Kharkai on the occasion of Vijay Dashmi has led to an increase in pollution level in the already contaminated rivers.

A visit to the banks of river Swarnarekha and Kharkai only goes to show the kind of waste and filth spilled all over. The river ghats bore the burnt with the deluge of garbage, puja material and idols.

Residents alleged that the administration doesn’t take any steps to clear the place and the ghats present a sorry sight. Apart from parts of idols and other materials lying around, these areas are the daily destination of several people for ablutions.

Senior officials of Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board said that as per norms, traditional clay should be used for making idols rather than baked clay. It also prohibits the use of toxic and non-degradable chemical dyes and instead prescribes natural colours used in food products.

The guidelines also dictated that flowers, clothes and decorations should be removed and collected for separate disposal before immersion. Also, the leftover material at the immersion sites should be collected by local civic bodies within 24 hours after the ceremony.

“Every year we ask the puja committees to take steps to shun the use of toxic materials. But the situation remains the same every year,” said an official of Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board.

He said that the paints often contain toxic metals, such as lead and mercury, which increase the pollution level.

The regional officer went on to inform that water samples from three districts East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela Kharsawan have been taken for testing and the reports would be available in next three days. The findings would be compiled to prepare a final report on the rise in pollution level.

“We monitor water quality tests in major rivers Swarnarekha and Kharkai before and after immersions. For a fair assessment of water quality, we conduct all kinds of tests such as pH level, biochemical oxygen demand, conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids and other heavy metals,” said another senior official.

According to city-based experts, the idols are usually wrapped with reds, pinks and greens colours and these paints often contain toxic metals, such as lead and mercury. They poison plants, fish and drinking water. They even end up in the human food chain.

“No doubt it is a part of the Hindu religious customs. But it’s also a huge source of pollution. In recent years, idol immersion has become one of the reasons for rising water pollution in the city. Government should take some steps to reduce pollution in the rivers,” said Dr. U K Srivastava, a city-based environmentalist.