The Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) has directed officials of Urban Administration Department to ensure idol immersions during the Ganesh and Durga festivals are performed as per the laid down guidelinesof Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The CECB has directed that the puja material, cloth, paper, plactic and other decorative items should be segregated from the idols during immersion.
The officials have also been directed to ensure idols are made of clay and not plaster of paris.
The circular issued last year by CECB reads that if the idol-immersion ritual is performed in any river or lake then a temporary small pond should be developed there to immerse the idols in it, so that the entire reservoir can be saved from any possibility of spreading pollution.
People should be made aware regarding the immersion points and rules related to the process well in advance.
There should be adequate safety arrangements at the immersion spot. A synthetic liner should install at the immersion point to facilitate the devotees. The liner should be removed after concluding the rituals to let all the idols properly dissolve by submerging into the water. Bamboo, woods and such other items should be taken for re-use while the clay should be used for land-filling.