Rs 50,000 penalty if found guilty of idol immersion in Yamuna: DPCC

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has asked district magistrates to ensure idols are not immersed in the Yamuna or any other water body in the national capital during this year’s Ganeshotva and Durga puja.

In its order, the pollution board body has said that the violations are punishable with a fine of ₹ 50,000 or a jail term of up to six years.

In an order issued dated August 29, DPCC said the Delhi Police will be issuing directions to all officers at check posts and police stations to ensure appropriate action is taken against offenders, while municipal bodies have been asked to issue directions to all zonal offices to take action against illegal idol making, according to a Hindustan Times report.

“District magistrate shall enforce the NMCG directive regarding idol immersion. No idol immersion should be allowed in the river Yamuna and any other water bodies, except in designated places identified by local bodies. Violators shall be liable to pay ₹50,000 as environmental compensation which shall be deposited by DPCC,” said the order.

“As far as possible, Resident Welfare Associations should encourage immersion of idols in buckets of water,” DPCC order added.

It has also asked urban local bodies to create artificial ponds in the proximity of residential areas for idol immersion. The Delhi Police has been directed to check the entry of vehicles carrying plaster of paris (POP) idols into the city, according to NDTV.

Municipal bodies have been asked to issue directions to all zonal offices to take action against illegal idol-making.

The DPCC said idol immersion creates serious problems as toxic chemicals used in their preparation leach out in the water.

It has also issued guidelines to be used for worship materials in decoration and making of idols. As per the media reports, the guidelines state worship material like flowers and decorating material (made of paper) should be removed before immersion of idols and may be collected separately for disposal. While biodegradable material is to be sent for recycling and composting, non-biodegradable materials will be sent to sanitary landfills. – INDIA NEWS STREAM