Government, worried about the public health consequences of immersing idols in rivers, has been looking anew at water pollution. It hopes, and perhaps in some cases prays, to harmonise medical concerns with people’s religious priorities. With just few days left for the Durga Puja celebrations to begin, Delhi Government is readying to put in place all arrangements for idol immersion in Yamuna in order to check pollution of the river water.
Every year, special arrangements are made so as to ensure the safety and security of the faithful as well as protect the water quality of the River Yamuna during and after the immersions.
Environment Secretary Sanjiv Kumar recently held a meeting with all the departments concerned and agencies, including Revenue Department, Delhi Police, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), civic bodies, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Health Department, Fire Department and Traffic Police etc, to ensure proper arrangements are put in place during visarjan.
He asked the representatives of Divisional Commissioner to identify and finalise the locations and number of ghats. These ghats will be finalised by respective Deputy Commissioners and police after site inspections. As part of the arrangements, designated enclosures will be made at ghats with the help of bamboo fencing and roads heading to the ghats will be constructed.
Civic amenities will provide ambulance and first aid services and tight security will be put in place for the devotees. “Necessary instructions in this regard will be given by
Revenue Department to Irrigation and Flood Control Department,” said a Delhi Government official. Government will soon issue a public appeal to this effect highlighting the dos and don’ts for the devotees, which will be published in national dailies by the Revenue Department before
Durga Puja. Kumar also emphasised on creating awareness among puja groups and samitis towards use of natural colours and materials (like clay) used in manufacturing of idols.