Creation of three artificial ponds at Kuakhai and Daya for immersion of idols failed to deter people from immersing idols in both the rivers leading to serious water pollution.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has earlier created three artificial ponds — at Pandara and Tankapani Road in Kuakhai and Lingipur in Daya river — for idol immersion.
Residents staying on the banks of both the rivers alleged that hundreds of idols of lords Ganesh and Vishwakarma were immersed in the rivers.
“A number of youths’ clubs and other organisations have been dumping idols from the river bridge near Pandara instead of going down to the artificial pond. They have also been dumping other materials of worship directly into the river,” said local resident Sasanka Das.
Environmentalists said that the artificial colour used in the idols contain elements — such as lead, cadmium and nickel — that can find their way into fishes and birds and finally reaching the humans through food if the process of river immersion continues. “Other materials such as straw, wood, ply, flowers and plastics associated with idol making also pollute the river water. Painting of Idols should be discouraged. In case idols are to be painted, water soluble and non-toxic natural dyes should be used. Use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes for painting idols should be strictly prohibited,” said environmentalist Bijay Mishra.
Local residents depending on the rivers urged the administration to stop the practice of idol immersion into the river. “The festive season has just started and if such practice continues, water pollution will aggravate much more during the Durga puja which is among the major festivals in the city,” said another local resident Jiban Jyoti Sahoo.
Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said the issue was taken up at a recent preparatory meeting of puja committees. “The committees have agreed to immerse the idols in the temporary ponds,” said Jena.