West Bengal: Durga idol immersion restricted in Ganga this year
To prevent water pollution in the Ganga, the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) has decided not to allow idol immersion in Ganga. Even last year, the NMCG had directed the WBPCB to check idol immersion in the Ganga. However, the directive was not followed. This year, the administration has issued specific guidelines to control pollution in Ganga. The plan is to keep the synthetic liner so that the waste does not cause pollution in the water.
To prevent water pollution in the Ganga, the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) has decided to arrange two ponds in north Kolkata for the occasion of idol immersion following Durga, Lakshmi and Kali Pujas.
Even last year, the NMCG had directed the WBPCB to check idol immersion in the Ganga. However, the directive was not followed.
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This year, the administration has issued specific guidelines to control pollution in Ganga. The plan is to keep the synthetic liner so that the waste does not cause pollution in the water. This synthetic liner is used in Rajarhat Newtown premises so that plastic does not reach the bottom of the water.
It is also known that water test will be done in three phases this year. The level of pollution in the water will be determined at any stage. Synthetic liners are already being arranged in two ponds in Lake Town and Dumdum Park. Besides, there are several guidelines that people need to follow for COVID-19 pandemic.
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WBPCB chairman Kalyan Rudra said, “Last year, the experiment of pollution-free immersion at New Town Kolkata Development Authority was successfully conducted. This year, we will implement it in Lake Town and Dumdum. The reservoirs will be barricaded and a synthetic liner will be used to stop solid waste from polluting water. The idols and other solid waste will be later cleaned up by the local municipal authority.”
The WBPCB on Thursday (October 22) also announced that the “Green Puja Award” will not be held this year due to the pandemic.
Everyone must follow the guidelines of the National Mission for a Clean Ganga. Detailed information has been given to everyone. Besides, the control room will remain open 24 hours for any help.