Delhi: The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 or a jail term of up to six years for idol immersion in the Yamuna or other water bodies in the city.
The government has asked district magistrates to take strict measures to ensure idols are not immersed in rivers during this year's Ganeshotva and Durga puja. Municipal bodies have received instructions to communicate with zonal offices to take action against illegal idol-making. Vehicles carrying plaster of paris idols to the city will be checked by the police.
Urban local bodies have been instructed to build artificial ponds close to residential areas so that the ritual of idol immersion can be carried out.
The DPCC said idol immersion creates serious consequences in water bodies as toxic chemicals are used in their making. These substances leach out into the water and harm aquatic life. Paints, colours, and dyes applied on the plaster of paris idols contain hazardous chemicals like mercury, zinc oxide, chromium, lead, and cadmium. When these eventually find their way to the human body, they can cause cancer and other diseases like respiratory ailments and skin infections.
Ganesh Chaturthi is being celebrated on August 31 and idol immersion is on September 9.