Vinayaka Chaturthi: Madurai administration urges people to follow CPCB norm on idol immersion

Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 7 (ANI): The Madurai District Administration has urged the public to celebrate the Vinayaka Chathurthi festival by immersing the idols only in the places notified for the purpose and by following the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The idols made of natural, biodegradable, eco-friendly raw materials without any toxic, inorganic raw materials, plaster of Paris or thermocol (polystyrene) alone will be permitted for immersion in waterbodies, an official statement said on Wednesday.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is one of the most popular Hindu festivals. It is celebrated for 10 days and it is believed that during this time Lord Ganesha arrives on earth with his mother, Goddess Parvati, and showers blessings on the people.
The Madurai administration further said that only dried flower components, straw etc., for making ornaments of idols and natural resins of trees may be used as a shining material for making idols attractive.
Use of single use plastic and thermocol materials shall not be permitted strictly and eco-friendly materials such as straw structures should be used in making idols or decoration of idols, pandals and tazias in order to prevent pollution in water bodies.
“Use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes/oil paints for painting idols should be strictly prohibited. Enamel and synthetic dye based paints on idols should be discouraged instead eco-friendly water-based, bio- degradable and non-toxic natural dyes should be used,” it added.
Vinayaka idols should be immersed only in waterbodies of Vaigai, Kilthoppu, Othakadaikulam, Vadipatti, Kumaram tank, Melakkal, lyyanar Koil oorani, Gundaru, Maravankulam tank, Mottaikulam tank, Saptur tank, Devankurichi tank, Mankatti Theppakulam, Vaigai Thaikall Palam, Tirupparankundram Chevanthikulam kanmai, Avaniapuram, Ayan Pappakudi kanmai, Tirumangalam Sivarakottai Kamandalanathi, and Melur Kottampatti Sivan Koil tank.
The administration further said that for the beautification of idols, removable and washable decorative clothes made only with natural materials and dyes shall be used in place of disposable material containing paints and other toxic chemicals. (ANI)