The green watchdog also prohibited the use of baked clay or plaster of Paris for the making of idols...
Digital Desk: The pollution control authority has directed that idol immersion during Ganeshotsav be prohibited in any public waterbody in the national capital city, including the river Yamuna, and violators will be fined Rs 50,000 or imprisoned for up to six years.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has instructed District Magistrates to ensure that no violations occur and has directed urban local governments to set up artificial temporary ponds near residential areas for idol immersion.
According to the pollution control board, research conducted to analyze degradation in water quality owing to idol immersion has found high levels of deterioration in water quality as a result of the activity.
The green watchdog also prohibited the use of baked clay or plaster of Paris for the making of idols and insisted that only natural materials be used. The entry of trucks carrying idols made of plaster of Paris into the city is being monitored by Delhi Police officers on duty.
"It should be noted that failure to comply with directives issued under Section 33 A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, or the rules established thereunder shall be punished under Section 41 of the said Act, which includes imprisonment for up to six years and a fine," the DPCC order stated.
The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on August 31, and the immersion will take place on September 9. Idol immersion in the Yamuna has been prohibited since 2019. Similar directives were also given during the Durga Puja festival.
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