DPCC bans Durga Puja idol immersion in public places including Yamuna River
It said on festive occasions such as Durga Puja, it has been a tradition to immerse idols in water bodies like rivers, lakes, ponds, wells, among others. However, idol immersion in the Yamuna can attract a fine of Rs 50,000 along with imprisonment of up to six years.
FollowNew Delhi: The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has banned idol immersion during Durga Puja in public places, including Yamuna River, ponds or ghats. DPCC asked people to immerse them at home in buckets or containers, saying the consequent pollution in rivers and lakes was a matter of concern.
“Idol Immersions shall not be allowed during the forthcoming Durga Puja in any public place including river Yamuna or any other Water Body/Public Place/Ponds, Ghats. The idol immersion ritual may be performed within the home premises in a bucket or container," it said in a notification.
It said on festive occasions such as Durga Puja, it has been a tradition to immerse idols in water bodies like rivers, lakes, ponds, wells, among others. However, idol immersion in the Yamuna can attract a fine of Rs 50,000 along with imprisonment of up to six years.
“It may be noted that the violation of directions issued under Section 33 A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, or the rules made there under shall be punishable under section 41 of the said Act which includes imprisonment up to six years and with fine," it said.
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The DPCC order stated that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had pronounced various directions in 2015 against any type of immersion in the Yamuna. NGT orders prohibit throwing pooja material or any other material like food grain or oil into the river, except on the designated site.
DPCC further stated that the worship material like flowers, decorating material (made of paper), etc. should be removed before immersion of idols and may be collected separately for disposal or in an environmental safe handing over to the door to door waste collection vehicle.
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in 2019 had prohibited idol immersion in Ganga and its tributaries and directed violators to pay Rs 50,000 as environmental compensation which would be collected by the concerned District Magistrate and deposited with Delhi Pollution Control Committee.
