Religious rites must not clash with river ecology
Immersion of Durga idols in the Yamuna violates the green tribunal’s guidelines
In what has become a sad annual feature, the Yamuna is once again in a terrible state as a result of the immersion after the Durga puja festivities. There more than 200 pujas in Delhi and in spite of the guidelines issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), most continue to flout them with impunity. It is the same case with other festivals and immersions such as Ganesh pujas as well. The NGT guidelines for idol immersion state that only clay should be used for idol making, and not baked clay or plaster of paris, etc. It also discourages the painting of idols, and goes on to say that the “use of toxic and nonbiodegradable chemical dyes for painting idols should b e strictly prohibited.” All cloth, flowers, decorations made of paper, plastic and other non biodegradable materials should be removed before immersion.
Since there is no testing of materials that are used in the manufacture of idols and puja committees are not under pressure to conform to the guidelines, every year the problem recurs, causing even more damage to a river that is already in its death throes. There are easily implementable solutions to the problem of festival debris in the river. Implementation agencies such as pollution control authorities must take with them as partners Durga puja organising committees and idol manufacturers. Ensuring that harmful chemical dyes and non-biodegradable materials are not used in the manufacture of idols will be an excellent step in ensuring that they don’t end up in the river.
It is also important for citizens to remember that they have a stake in ensuring that these guidelines are followed. The river is a lifeline of the city, and their contribution to preserving it will only help them in the long run. It is the responsibility of citizens to ensure that the pandals they endorse take into account these guidelines. It is our duty to ensure that our religious rites do not clash with our ecological responsibilities. If our religious rites are to be sustainable, they must be ecologically responsible.