Nashik: POP Idols Risk River Pollution, Creative Kutir Urges Citizens To Opt For Artificial Immersion Tanks

Nashik is grappling with an environmental crisis as the tradition of disposing Ganesh idols in rivers after the festival continues unabated. Plaster of Paris (POP) idols are particularly problematic, as they do not dissolve in water and accumulate along riverbanks, posing a significant threat to aquatic life and water quality. Creative Kuteer, a local organization, has been vocal about the need to change this practice.

The organization has urged citizens to avoid immersing Ganesh idols in natural water bodies altogether. Instead, they recommend using artificial immersion tanks provided by the administration. Even Shadu clay idols, which are considered eco-friendly, should be immersed at home in a bucket or tank to prevent pollution.

Creative Kuteer has also encouraged a shift towards using idols made of Shadu clay, paper pulp, or other materials that can dissolve naturally. They have emphasized that this change is crucial not only for the welfare of the deity but also for the health of the environment.

The issue of river pollution from Ganesh idols is not just an aesthetic concern but a serious one. Scientific and administrative authorities have repeatedly raised alarms about the harmful effects of POP idols on aquatic ecosystems. The degradation of rivers in the name of religious practices needs to be stopped, and immediate action is required.

Organizations like Creative Kuteer are urging the community to celebrate an eco-friendly Ganesh festival, where devotion goes hand in hand with environmental awareness. The organization's message is clear: sustained action is necessary to bring about a change in this harmful practice.