‘Use eco-friendly Ganesha idols’

The authorities of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have asked devotees to use Ganesha idols made of natural clay and painted with natural colours as well as water-soluble and non-toxic dyes to avoid pollution of waters bodies, including lakes and rivers.

KSPCB President AS Sadashivaiah said: “People have to follow the guidelines set by KSPCB to immerse Ganesha idols in water bodies across the state.” He asked devotees to use vegetable-coloured clay idols or those with small paintings.

According to KSPCB officials, water is polluted when idols painted with colours made from harmful chemicals are immersed. “Water pollution cannot be stopped. But we can reduce the level of pollution,” Sadashivaiah said. According to him, it is preferable to immerse small idols in buckets or mobile tanks from where solid waste can be easily collected later.

BBMP commissioner Rajneesh Goel urged the public to us environmental friendly Ganesha idols and to celebrate the festival without polluting water bodies. Goel said as per the Supreme Court’s direction, the public should avoid using plastic banners and bunting. He asked devotees to park vehicles on the roadside and walk upto the lake to immerse idols.

“Idols should be immersed in Ulsoor, Sankey, Yediyur and Saneguruvanahalli lakes. For residents of newly added areas, BBMP has identified 32 lakes. It has also arranged 88 mobile immersion tanks where small idols can be immersed,” he said.
“Those who want to immerse idols at lakes should enter through the main gate and immerse at the place designated by the BBMP.

The public should also dump puja materials like flower, garland and banana stalks in the garbage bin kept at the entrance of the lake. Devotees should stand in queue to avoid stampede and chaos,” Goel said.

The BBMP commissioner requested the public to not to violate the instructions given by BBMP officials and police personnel during immersion. “Bursting of crackers and playing of loud music are prohibited near the lake. Immersion is prohibited after 10.30 pm,” Goel said.

He requested people to support the BBMP for keep the lakes clean . “As Ganesha idols with chemicals are immersed in ponds or lakes there will be foul smell till the silt is cleared. People are requested to cooperate with BBMP officials till lakes are desilted,” he said.

“Though BBMP have deputed trained swimmers at the lakes, devotees should be careful while immersing idols to avoid drowning,” he said.