Haryana Pollution Board directs religious bodies to use only natural materials for idols
Updated: Dec 06, 2013 12:27:44pm
Gurgaon, Dec 6 (KNN) The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has issued directions to religious bodies and others to use only natural colours and clay as base for idols which are to be immersed in water.
The move comes in an effort to prevent pollution of water bodies such as rivers, ponds with paint and chemical used in making idols.
The directions have been issued under Section 33 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act regarding use of natural colours and clay as base for idols of Hindu Gods/Goddesses for immersion in water bodies, a notice said.
Failure to comply can attract penal action, including imprisonment along with fine as per the provisions of the Water Act of 1974.
Earlier, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had issued directions to the Gujarat Pollution Control Board and other Pollution Control Boards to undertake scientific study of the impact of POP (Plaster of Paris) made idols on immersion, in relation to water quality of rivers, ponds or other sources and examine whether it is an environment pollutant.
Thereafter, NGT and HSPCB had appointed an expert committee comprising of scientists and representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board.
The Committee’s report indicated that chemicals / paints used to decorate idols contain heavy metal such as Mercury, Lead, Zinc, Iron, Chromium and Arsenic which can pollute water.
The report went on to describe the impact of certain materials on aquatic bodies. While POP increases dissolved solids and sludge; decoration material such as clothes, policy paint, ornaments, etc contribute to suspended matters, trace metals (Zinc, lead, iron, chromium, arsenic, mercury, etc) and metalloids.
As far as flowers, garlands, oily substances and eatables are concerned, they also increase floating suspended matter and organic contamination; as also oil and grease.
Needless to say, polythene bags and plastic items add to hazardous materials that can choke aquatic life.
Significantly, while POP in itself does not pollute water, it can block the natural flow of water and aquatic life. However, the additives which include paints and chemicals pollute water bodies and this could be avoided by using natural colours and clay as base of idols.
In this context, a notice was also issued earlier in leading papers, inviting suggestions on the issue, also forwarded to heads of corporations, councils, committee, religious bodies, stakeholders and general public.
Considering that none has been received thus far, HSPCB has issued the strict directions. (KNN/ES)
The move comes in an effort to prevent pollution of water bodies such as rivers, ponds with paint and chemical used in making idols.
The directions have been issued under Section 33 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act regarding use of natural colours and clay as base for idols of Hindu Gods/Goddesses for immersion in water bodies, a notice said.
Failure to comply can attract penal action, including imprisonment along with fine as per the provisions of the Water Act of 1974.
Earlier, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had issued directions to the Gujarat Pollution Control Board and other Pollution Control Boards to undertake scientific study of the impact of POP (Plaster of Paris) made idols on immersion, in relation to water quality of rivers, ponds or other sources and examine whether it is an environment pollutant.
Thereafter, NGT and HSPCB had appointed an expert committee comprising of scientists and representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board.
The Committee’s report indicated that chemicals / paints used to decorate idols contain heavy metal such as Mercury, Lead, Zinc, Iron, Chromium and Arsenic which can pollute water.
The report went on to describe the impact of certain materials on aquatic bodies. While POP increases dissolved solids and sludge; decoration material such as clothes, policy paint, ornaments, etc contribute to suspended matters, trace metals (Zinc, lead, iron, chromium, arsenic, mercury, etc) and metalloids.
As far as flowers, garlands, oily substances and eatables are concerned, they also increase floating suspended matter and organic contamination; as also oil and grease.
Needless to say, polythene bags and plastic items add to hazardous materials that can choke aquatic life.
Significantly, while POP in itself does not pollute water, it can block the natural flow of water and aquatic life. However, the additives which include paints and chemicals pollute water bodies and this could be avoided by using natural colours and clay as base of idols.
In this context, a notice was also issued earlier in leading papers, inviting suggestions on the issue, also forwarded to heads of corporations, councils, committee, religious bodies, stakeholders and general public.
Considering that none has been received thus far, HSPCB has issued the strict directions. (KNN/ES)
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