Guidelines finalised on Idol immersion: CPCB to NGT

Ahead of the festival season, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) today informed the National Green Tribunal that it has finalised guidelines in relation to idol immersion in various parts of the country.
In an affidavit filed before the tribunal, CPCB has stated that it will also amend its 2010 guidelines in relation to idol immersion and communicate it to all the state governments and pollution control boards.
"An affidavit has been filed on behalf of CPCB wherein it has been stated that the guidelines in relation to idol immersion in various parts of the country have been finalised and guidelines earlier prepared for idol immersion in 2010 will be amended and issued to all the State Boards and the state governments," a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar noted.

According to the 2010 guidelines, idols made from natural materials as described in the holy scripts would be allowed and worship material like flowers, vastras (clothes), decorating material (made of paper and plastic) must be removed before immersion of idols.
The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by Subhas Dutta, an environmentalist, who had sought "uniform, practical, pragmatic and well-accepted standard operating procedure" for immersion of idols across the country.
"Lakhs of idols are immersed in the rivers and water bodies in the country every year and they are left there to decompose, resulting in damage to the water body and the environment," Dutta had told the tribunal.

Referring to an Allahabad High Court order by which there is complete ban on immersion of idols in the Ganga, Dutta had questioned how the same can be allowed in West Bengal or other parts of the country.

"Holding immersion processes and throwing idols in rivers and water bodies have become, superfluous, colourful, competitive, not backed by religious necessity," the petition had said.
In his petition, he had sought setting up of a high powered committee to monitor idol immersions in the country.
He had also suggested that while coming up with the uniform policy for immersion of idols, religious gurus, environmental experts, social activists and scientists be also consulted.