Twitter
Advertisement

dna special: No immersion in Aarey lake this Ganeshotsav- Dairy Department

The department plans to embark on a major awareness drive with active residents from in and around Goregaon to tell locals about the importance of this lake and how it's facing a crisis due to increasing pollution and siltation.

Latest News
article-main
The Aarey Dairy Development Department, along with active residents from in and around Goregaon, plans to launch an awareness drive to tell locals about the lake’s importance and how it’s facing a crisis
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

This Ganeshotsav, idols will not be immersed in Aarey lake but in a special artificial pond that will be built for the purpose. This decision has been taken by the Aarey Dairy Development Department's chief executive officer (CEO), which has been welcomed by environmentalists.

The department plans to embark on a major awareness drive with active residents from in and around Goregaon to tell locals about the importance of this lake and how it's facing a crisis due to increasing pollution and siltation.

The 1.5-acre lake inside Aarey colony is well known as a boating lake close to Chotta Kashmir and is extremely popular with tourists. It has been used for Ganesh idol immersion for decades.

"There is increasing awareness among people regarding Ganeshotsav and immersion. There has been pressure on authorities from people across the city to stop immersion activities in natural waterbodies. Hence, we have decided to get an artificial pond constructed close to the entry of Aarey police station and ensure that all household idols are immersed in it," said CEO Gajanan Raut, who added that only idols made from eco-friendly materials will be allowed to be immersed in the lake.

Sources said the lake, which was 70-80 feet in depth, is now only 20-25-foot deep. Also, every year after visarjan, there have been reports of fishes dying in large numbers.

"I am sure everyone will support this move as it is aimed at protecting a waterbody which attracts a lot of birds and is home to diverse aquatic life. We plan to put up hoardings and boards to create awareness as well as involve local resident groups actively working on safeguarding Aarey colony," said Raut, adding that last year around 6,500 household Ganesh idols and around 154 from mandals were immersed in the lake.

He informed that more decisions pertaining to the issue will be taken up in a meeting with the civic body that will be held on September 6. He also plans to hold a special meeting with active residents to chart out an action plan.

Environmentalist Rishi Aggarwal said this was a big and positive move from the dairy department. "It was long due and we are happy with it. Awareness in people is growing and such a decision will help preserve waterbodies. We would like to have a meeting with the CEO and also initiate awareness drives on social media as well as on ground to inform people about the provision of an artificial pond in Aarey, besides encouraging them to have idols made from eco-friendly materials," he added.

In 2014, around 22,000 idols were immersed in 27 artificial lakes created by the BMC across the city.

Pollution check
A study done by the Central Pollution Control Board to assess the impact of immersion of plaster of Paris Ganesh idols on lakes revealed...
Rise in acid content in the waters
100% increase in the total dissolved solids
Increase in the dissolved oxygen content during the day, due to the agitation of waters during immersion, and decrease at night when organic discharge rose
Rise in metals (iron by nearly 10 times and copper by 200-300%), as per the heavy metal content sampling

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement