The apex body of Durga Puja committees, Jamshedpur Kendriya Durga Puja Samiti (JKDPS) has decided to focus on environmental protection during this festive season. The apex body of puja committees in the city has asked 311 puja committees to make elaborate arrangements for that.
Ram Babu Singh, general secretary of JKDPS said that the members of the organisation have been directed to ensure that they use idols made of non-toxic colour only. From last few years they are working hard to stop water pollution during immersion of idols. This year too they would strictly implement the guidelines.
Several artisans from Kolkata who are busy making idols in the city said they were using mashed waste paper with natural clay and 'multani mitti' to make the idols.
“We have been asked to take environment friendly steps. We are mixing clay with fig-tree juice, paper and glue for the material to make those. That is quite eco-friendly. The immersed idol dissolves in water in just 15 minutes,” said Nalin Kumar, an artisan making idols in Kadma.
“Eco-friendly statues have long been available in Kolkata. However, this is something new for us. Big idols tend to be less eco-friendly as plaster of paris is needed to make them along with synthetic colours,” said Sanjay Das, a senior functionary of Durga Puja Committee, Jugsalai.
He went on adding that it is important to keep religious sentiments aside and look at the issue from the environmental perspective. People should favour eco-friendly idols so that religious occasions are not bad for the environment.
This year Durga Puja committees will also provide bhog pot in jute or cloth bags and also shun use of plastic in every way possible. The District Administration is motivating Jamshedpur Durga Puja Kendriya Samity for making this a plastic free puja.
The special officers of all the three local urban bodies – Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee, Mango Notified Area Committee and Jugsalai Municipality have been asked to ensure that the puja pandals do not use any type of plastic near the puja venue.
An artist gives final touches to idol of Goddess Durga in Jamshedpur.
