Puja waste polluting Jamshedpur rivers, threatens environment and health

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Apr 27: The pollution of Swarnarekha and Kharkai rivers due to puja materials is becoming a serious threat to both human and animal life. The immersion of colourful clothes, plastic items, synthetic garlands and chemical-laden offerings has led to a 40 percent rise in river pollution, says environmentalist Manoj Kumar Singh. These materials release heavy metals like lead, cadmium and mercury into the water, causing skin diseases, respiratory issues and even cancer through microplastics.

Aquatic life is suffering as organic waste like flowers and coconuts rot in the river, depleting oxygen levels and endangering fish and other species. Fishermen are facing livelihood crises and local communities are struggling with a shortage of clean drinking water.

A major cause of the problem is the belief that immersing puja material in rivers is a sacred act, making awareness campaigns challenging. Additionally, the lack of proper waste management along riverbanks worsens the situation. The Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee had procured a composting machine to manage temple waste, but due to negligence, it lies unused. Meanwhile, in other cities, similar machines are successfully turning temple offerings into compost sold to farmers.

Priests emphasize the need for responsible worship practices, urging devotees to reduce garland offerings and encouraging temple administrations to recycle flowers for composting. Environmentalists stress that only coordinated efforts by the government, public and religious leaders can save the rivers from extinction and preserve them for future generations.