Panel lists 151 spots in Delhi for idol immersion

NEW DELHI: Delhi Pollution Control Committee has prepared a list of 151 spots across the 11 revenue districts of the city as possible sites for idol immersion this festive season. The exercise is being conducted to encourage organisers to immerse smaller idols in nearby artificial ponds and, thereby, reduce the post-immersion pollution load of the Yamuna.

These include 17 spots in New Delhi, 17 in East, 12 in Central, six in North, 12 in North-East, 17 in South West, 10 in Shahdara, 20 in West, 18 in North-West, 10 in South East and 12 spots in South.Prominent spots are at Naraina, Delhi Cantonment, Vasant Vihar, RK Ashram, RK Puram, CR Park, Alaknanda, Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, Karawal Nagar, Shahdara, Patel Nagar and Malviya Nagar, among others.
The pollution level in the river spikes manifold after immersions every year. Tests carried out by Central Pollution Control Board after Durga Puja and Ganesh Puja immersions in 2018 revealed that concentrations of chromium, lead, nickel and mercury, among others, had shot up several times, rendering the Yamuna water unfit even for bathing.
During pre- and post-idol immersions at Durga Puja, organic pollution increases due to human influence and puja ingredients. Concentration of heavy metals also goes up because of painted or polished idols with metallic ornaments and shiny materials, the CPCB report stated. Post-immersion, chromium levels exceeded the BIS limit (0.05 mg/l) by 11 times; iron concentration (0.3 mg/l) by 71 times; Nickel (0.02 mg/l) to one time and lead increased (0.01 mg/l) by two times in the Yamuna last year. Similar observations were made for Ganesh Chaturthi as well.
Earlier, in a report submitted to National Green Tribunal, a two-member monitoring committee, which included retired expert member BS Sajwan and former Delhi chief secretary Shailaja Chandra, had expressed concern over the toxic water post-immersion in the Yamuna and asked Delhi to follow the Tapti example, where the administration ensured that no idol was immersed in the river during the 2019 festive season.