CPCB revises idol immersion guidelines; use of plastic, PoP as material banned
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has banned the use of plastic, thermocol and Plaster of Paris in making idols of gods and goddesses in a bid to ensure that idol immersion remains an eco-friendly exercise and water bodies do not get polluted.
In revised guidelines issued recently, the apex pollution control body said idols made up of only natural, bio-degradable, eco-friendly raw materials without any toxic, inorganic raw materials [such as traditional virtuous clay and mud, free from Plaster of Paris (PoP), plastic and thermocol (polystyrene)] should be encouraged, allowed and promoted.
The last set of guidelines, which were issued in 2010, on idol immersion have been revised after taking views of stakeholders, especially emphasising use of naturally occurring clay, colours in place of synthetic paints and chemicals for colouring idols.
The 2020 guidelines state that the use of single-use plastic and thermocol shall not be permitted at all and only eco-friendly material such as straw structure shall be used in making idols or decoration of idols/pandals/tazias in order to prevent pollution in recipient water bodies.
“Only dried flower components for making ornaments of idols and natural resins of trees may be used as a shining material for making idols attractive,” CPCB said.
Also, use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes/oil paints for painting idols should be strictly prohibited. Enamel and synthetic dye-based paints on idols should be discouraged and in its place, eco-friendly water-based, bio-degradable and non-toxic natural dyes should be used, CPCB said.
The new guidelines come in the wake of severe pollution of large water bodies including rivers and lakes due to immersion of idols every year in festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Pooja.
The CPCB has also directed the concerned state pollution control boards (SPCBs)/pollution control committees (PCCs) in states and Union Territories to conduct water quality assessment of water bodies, preferably in tier-1 cities at three stages – pre-immersion, during immersion and post-immersion.
“Post-festival, samples should be collected preferably after third, fifth and seventh and ninth day of the festival,” the pollution watchdog said.
“SPCBs/PCCs shall help district administration in preparing material for creating mass awareness as well as to assess innovative approaches for eco-friendly idol making by idol makers or craftsman or artisans,” the CPCB said.
The CPCB said as far as possible idol immersion in rivers/ponds/lakes shall be encouraged only at specific designated artificial confined tanks/ponds with liner made with well graded/highly impervious clay or eco-synthetic liner, on the banks shall be promoted.
