Environmental impact of durga puja

Environmental Impact of Durga Puja

By 21st Nov, 2013 | 03:44 pm

Durga Puja is one of the auspicious occasions celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. In modern times, festivals are getting commercialised and taking the shape of pomp and show. Different communities set huge gigantic and attractive bright idols in order to compete with other communities.

This all leads to major problem of environment pollution. Idols made by non biodegradable material and toxic paints contaminate water making it unfit for survival of aquatic life and drinking purposes.

POP which is used for making idols is mainly the compound of gypsum, sulphur, phosphorus and magnesium. Chemical paints comprise of mercury, cadmium; lead and carbon. Immersion of idols with such poisonous and toxic elements raises the level of acidity, solid matter, organic matter and heavy metals in water bodies. These materials don't dissolve readily and lower the oxygen level in water adversely affecting the aquatic life.

In order to come out of such problems and enjoy festival with the same spirit, devotees themselves should give a serious thought over the methods of celebrations and should turn to eco friendly idols for their celebrations. Even Government should also take a step towards this burning issue and set strict guidelines for craftsmen to use eco-friendly materials and organic paints.

Source: Festivals of India