Immersion of Ganesha idols poses threat to aquatic life in Surat

Surat, Sep 5 (ANI): The immersion of thousands of idols during the recently concluded Ganesha festival in the waters of Ukai dam near Surat poses a pollution threat.

Most of the elaborately painted and decorated idols are worshipped before being taken in mass processions for immersion into nearby rivers, lakes and sea.

Environmentalists said the idols are mostly made of non-biodegradable material such as plastic, cement and plaster of Paris and painted using toxic dyes, which are harmful for mud, water and micro-organisms living in water.

"Idols immersed in water have polluted water in a big way. Chemicals and colours are used in making idols. All these are very harmful for mud, water and micro-organisms living in water both for short-term and long-term," said Mohini Gadia, Professor, Aquatic Biology Department, Vir Namard University.

Devotees said that parts of the idols could seen floating in water, which was an insult to lord Ganpati.

"Due to lack of water, the idols could not be properly immersed in water. The remains of idols are lying all around. It is very unfortunate. This is an insult to lord Ganpati. The authorities concerned should think about this," said Dhananjay Purohit, a devotee. (ANI)