Anvi Singh
Patna- In the spirit of Vijaya Dashmi, the ancient tradition of immersing Goddess Durga’s idols has commenced in Patna. This time, however, the process is not just about rituals but also about adhering to strict environmental guidelines set by the Bihar government. These regulations have been instituted in response to a directive from the National Green Tribunal’s Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata, authorized by the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (6 of 1974). The Bihar (Idol Immersion Process after Puja) Rules 2021 now carry legal obligations for puja committees.
Under these new rules, puja committees are mandated to implement a rigorous material separation policy. This requires meticulous removal of non-biodegradable puja materials, such as paper and plastic flowers and decorations, before initiating the immersion process. The focus is on segregating biodegradable materials, aligning with the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016.
In line with the state’s eco-conscious approach, puja committees must also take on the responsibility of organizing an eco-friendly idol immersion, ensuring the safety and ecological soundness of the process.
The guidelines stipulate that idol immersion is to occur exclusively in designated artificial ponds, with a complete ban on immersing idols in natural streams to preserve the environment and water bodies.
Effective crowd management is a pivotal aspect of these rules, requiring puja committees to provide an adequate number of artificial ponds to avoid overcrowding and reduce pollution during the immersion.
Also, the identification and proper marking of immersion sites is imperative. It falls to the respective puja committees to clearly label and tag artificial ponds and immersion locations for the convenience of the public, ensuring seamless compliance with the guidelines.
