Women organizations take pledge for pollution free festivals

Agra, Sep 21: In a major initiative, representatives from about 15 prominent women's organizations in the city pledged to celebrate festivals without generating pollution.

The decision was taken at a conference organized on the occasion of 'Radhashtmi' with participation of over 50 representatives of women's organizations.

Roli Tiwari Mishra, member of UP state women's commission appealed to people to celebrate festivals in a dignified manner without creating pollution. Deepali Bansal, the convener of this 'Utsav' meet pointed out the damage borne by the Yamuna river every year when idols are immersed in it.

"Every year during the months of September and October thousands of idols are immersed in the Yamuna. This is killing a river which is almost dead already without water," she said. T

alking to PTI about the need to sensitize people about the ailing condition of Yamuna, River Connect Campaign activist Anshu Pareek spoke about the steps being taken by the administration to minimise damage during the immersion of idols.

"It is becoming increasingly necessary to sensitize people, so that our water bodies can be saved from toxic colours and POP made idols. This year the Agra administration has made elaborate arrangements at the Yamuna ghats for immersing idols in pits filled with water.

The river police will keep a vigil and prevent devotees from entering the river," she said. These Yamuna activists said today that they would take out a rally and put up publicity banners to educate the people.

The event was organized on 'Radhashtmi', the birthday of Lord Krishna's beloved Radha, as she represents 'Shakti' of women's power and empowerment, Mahila Sena activist Vatsala Prabhakar said.

PTI