The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has asked citizens to keep in mind environmental concerns while celebrating Gowri and Ganesh festivals.
In a communiqué here, BBMP Commissioner Rajneesh Goel said that as per the Karnataka High Court directive, citizens should desist from using plastic/ polythene banners, buntings, cut-outs and posters.
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Immersion ponds are ready at 36 lakes and tanks across the city, including Sankey Tank, Yediyur Lake, Ulsoor Lake, Lalbagh Lake and Saneguruvanahalli Lake. Those who wish to immerse the idols in the designated immersion ponds across the city have to park their vehicles at a distance, follow the queue system to avoid congestion and stampede-like situations. Immersion of idols in other parts of the lakes is prohibited.
Mr. Goel appealed to citizens to hand over their idols for immersion to expert swimmers who will be stationed at all the lakes and tanks.
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To make it easier for citizens, this year too, the BBMP will have 88 mobile immersion tanks for smaller idols. Decoration items and flowers, garlands and banana stems used should be deposited in the bins specifically placed for the purpose at the entrance of the immersion ponds. Citizens have also been urged to not burst crackers or play music through loudspeakers near the immersion tanks. Immersions are prohibited after 10.30 p.m.
Eco-friendly idols
Mr. Goel and Mayor D. Venkatesh Murthy have once again appealed to citizens to buy eco-friendly idols instead of those painted with harmful chemicals, such as lead and chromium. These chemicals adversely affect the environment and the health of the water bodies. They also have appealed to the police to take action against associations and citizens who have installed Ganesh idols on the roads without permission.