Immersion of idols delay birds’ arrival at Jodhpur lake
Immersion of Ganesh idols has polluted Ummedsagar in the city, which delayed the arrival of migratory birds in the lake, experts said.
Idols and worship material are seen floating in Ummedsagar even 10 days after the immersion. “The water of Ummedsagar has become badly polluted with oil paints and other chemicals released from Ganesh idols made up of plaster of Paris,” said bird expert Sharad Purohit.
“Generally migratory birds, such as pelicans, kingfishers and spoonbills, start arriving in the first week of September, but they do not stop here (the lake) due to water pollution.”
Immersion of idols is also affecting aquatic organisms, Purohit said. “Immersion of idols in Padamsar, another water body, for eight years led to elimination of fishes.”
Dr Hemsingh Gehlot, assistant professor of zoology at Jai Narayan Vyas University, said immersion of plaster of Paris idols in water bodies reduces dissolved oxygen in water, causing the death of fish and other aquatic animals.
This time idols were immersed in many water bodies including Lalsagar and Ramtalai Nadi, located in the 20 km radius of the city, he said.
“The Rajasthan high court has directed the district administration to file cases against those who immersed idols in water bodies,” said lawyer Sanjeet Purohit.