Ecofriendly Ganesh Chaturthi

Impact of Ganesh Chaturthi on Environment

The Environmental Impacts can be summarized as follows:

1. The water pollution caused by the immersion of plaster of Paris idols in natural water bodies.

2. The water pollution caused by chemical paints used on these idols.

3. Waste generated by the non-biodegradable accessories used during worship.

4. Noise pollution

5. Congestion

6. Increased consumption

Of these the first two can be partially solved by a change in the Eco-sensitive materials and practices.

Water pollution: The Biggest Issue

In recent years, we have seen a growing awareness about water pollution caused by the immersion of Ganesh idols made of plaster of Paris, in the natural water bodies such as lakes, rivers and the sea . Plaster of Paris is not a matter of natural origin. Plaster of Paris is a calcium sulfate hemihydrate gypsum from a calcium sulphate dihydrate, by firing of the mineral to a relatively low temperature, and then reduced to powder.

The idols made of natural clay (shaadu Marathi) dissolve within hours of immersion in water, Plaster of Paris idols can last from several months to several years to dissolve. In addition, when chemical paints are used to decorate the idols, these paints contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which seep into the water as the idol dissolves.

In Bangalore, a study by the Commission of pollution control plant to assess the impact of immersion of Ganesh idols on the lakes revealed the following:

1. Acid content in water increased.

2. TDS (total dissolved solids) increased 100%

3. The dissolved oxygen content increased during the day due to the agitation of the water during immersion and reduces night when organic discharge increased.

4. Sampling of heavy metals showed an increase of metals such as iron which has increased by nearly 10 times and the copper content in the sediment increased from 200 to 300%.

Possible solutions:

Since the main issue around water pollution has to do with the idol immersion ritual, many people now suggest a slight variation of this ritual to prevent water pollution. These include:

1. Immersing the idol in a tanning water built by the government, instead of directly into natural waters.

2. Using only a natural clay idol and immersing it either in the tank or in a bucket of water at home.

3. The immersion of a "betel nut" which symbolizes the idol and reusing the same idol every year.

4. If you use a plaster of Paris idol, simply sprinkling a few drops of water on it as a symbolic immersion and donating the idol to be recycled for the next year.

Appropriate management "Nirmalya"

With the idol, there are several accessories used in worship which are collectively referred to as "Nirmalya". These include flowers, fruits, coconut, cloth, incense, camphor, etc. In addition, many people create elaborate temples of thermocole Houwe to their idols. Until a few years ago, it was all too immersed with the idols.

In Pune, the city has managed to convince people not to immerse the 'Nirmalya' into the water. Instead, they installed large bins shaped pots or traditional "Kalashnikov" to receive this Nirmalya. While this is a good first step, the proper management of Nirmalya is always crucial given the volumes that are collected annually. This is a sensitive issue because it involves the feelings of the faithful.

Possible solutions:

1. Avoid the use of non-biodegradable material such as thermocole altogether.

2. Composting all biodegradable materials.

3. Distribution food itmes such as coconut and fruits among the poor.

4. Recycling flower to flower handmade paper products or powder.