City-based Prerana organisation on Friday declared to felicitate with a cash prize of Rs 5,000 to DJ sound-free and liquor-free immersion processions of Ganesh Puja and Durga Puja.
Demanding immersion of idols in temporary ponds, the Prerana jointly with the State Pollution Control Board organised a procession for the purpose at the lower PMG here on the day. Prerana president Dr Dillip Shrichandan said chemicals-mixed and artificial colours are used in making and decorating the idols of gods and goddesses in the festive seasons. After the immersion, the water becomes polluted, and using it people, birds and animals suffer from skin diseases and stomach problems.
The Prerana members protested use of artificial colours in making the idols.
State Pollution Control Board Regional Officer Hadibandhu Panigrahi, Dr Manoranjan Mohanty, Dr Anant Kishore Jena, Prof Kartika Prasad Jena, Dr Nirad Khuntia Jalil Khan and Milan Paikray were present, among others. They gave emphasis on using natural colours in idols.