This Ganesh Chaturthi, authorities made it sure that no idol made of plaster of Paris or other non-biodegradable substance were immersed in the Yamuna.
On the Yamuna ghat in East Delhi, devotees with idols not meeting environment-friendly standards were allowed to do a symbolic immersion and then asked to deposit the idols at a designated place on the banks. The same was the case at Yamuna ghats in Central, North-East and South-East Delhi.
District Magistrate (East Delhi) Kunal said no idols made of non-biodegradable substances were immersed in the river in his jurisdiction.
“We implemented the National Green Tribunal orders in full. The results were 100 per cent. Neither idols, nor any puja material harmful for the environment was allowed to be immersed in the Yamuna,” he said.
Boatmen and civil defence volunteers were in position to keep a watch on hectic immersion activities at the ghats. The boatmen also ensured that no devotee went beyond a certain distance in the water. Fire and police Department too provided staff.
“As a District Magistrate, it is our job to coordinate. We provided the boatmen and the civil defence volunteers. The Fire Department and the police also deployed staff. Once the idols are collected at a designated place, it is the job of the municipality to collect and take them for disposal,” said Mr Kunal.
He added that this was a standard procedure during each immersion.
It is to be noted that earlier this month, the NGT had directed all agencies concerned to ensure no bio-degradable idol or puja materials are immersed in the Yamuna.
On Monday, a large posse of police force could be seen outside Faridkot House housing NGT, apprehending protests by a group displeased with the strict check on idol immersion.
