Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board calls for Eco-Friendly Puja Preparations

Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board calls for Eco-Friendly Puja Preparations

Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board calls for Eco-Friendly Puja Preparations

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SHILLONG: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has issued a public notice not to use Plaster of Paris (PoP) and synthetic colors for idol making to be used during the Pujas.

This public notice from the MSPCB issued on October 9 this year is in pursuance of the order of National Green Tribunal (NGT), Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata dated October 6, 2017.

According to the Board, the use of PoP and synthetic colors in making idols may affect the water quality system.

The MSPCB has given some tips to celebrate Puja in an eco-friendly way, like creating idols of Goddess Durga with bio-degradable materials like mud or clay, jute, bamboos, coconut and natural colors to paint them, to prevent water pollution and save the environment.

The MSPCB also called for hand-rolled incense sticks as they do not pose any environmental threat.

The Board also asked for eco-friendly decorative items that are made from natural products such as leaves, natural colors made from turmeric, rice flour, and pulse.

“Use plantain saplings with roots, planted in pots, for the decoration of the deity instead of cutting down the plantain trees. The devotees could use vessels made out of areca nut sheaths to keep the puja items, which are bio-degradable, instead of plastic vessels,” the MSPCB said.

On saving energy during the puja season, the Board said that bright incandescent bulbs should be replaced by with compact fluorescent lights (CFL) of LED as they save electricity and money.

“You can save a lot of electricity by instead opting for candles and diyas for decorating your home,” the Board said.

Meanwhile, the Board also said that natural materials such as cloth, wood, and paper should be used for decorations even as it called to reuse materials from previous years in various ways.

The Board also urged devotees to avoid playing loud music which can cause disturbance to the society.

“Try playing instruments that are soft and soothing. Make sure to turn off the music by 10 pm and abide by rules. Say no to crackers as well,” the MSPCB said.

Moreover, the Board also called for a cleanup drive after the immersion ceremony.

It may be mentioned that the Central Puja Committee will undertake a cleaning drive at immersion ghat, Polo on October 14 and 15 and again on October 20 and 21, immediately after immersion and lastly after immersion of Kali idols.

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