Strong Current & High Water Volume Cause Less Pollution: PCBA

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) has observed that the level of river pollution following the immersion of idols at the end of Durga Puja may vary due to variations in river current and volume of water flow.

A report of PCBA on water quality monitoring during idol immersion of Durga Puja at selected locations in Assam from 2016 to 2018 has found that the changes in the level of concentration of the parameters such as Lead, Zinc, Copper and Total Chromium due to immersion of idols are found negligible and no specific trend of change is observed at all the seven immersion points of the rivers — Brahmaputra and Bahini – flowing along Guwahati. Similar is the situation at immersion points in Sivasagar, Jorhat, Tinsukia, Golaghat, Silchar, Hailakandi, Karimganj, Tezpur and Nagaon. Such a development according to the report could be due to the high volume of water flow and strong water current of the rivers, which offer high dilution capacity.

The report added that the water quality of the pond at Bongaigaon shows a significant change due to the immersion of idols as it is a closed water-body.

The PCBA has been issuing a number of directions under the provision of the ‘Environment Protection Act-1986’ and also in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi, to protect the environment during and after the Durga Puja festival resulting from unscientific dumping and disposal of various solid waste generated during the festival and from the immersion of idols.

The PCBA has again directed the puja organizers to avoid using thermocol or any non- biodegradable items for decoration and idol-making as it leads to exothermic self- accelerating decomposition creating environmental pollution. The report has recommended the use of naturally occurring bio-degradable substances like paddy straw, hay, bamboo, jute fiber, rope, and mud among other such raw materials in making idols.

Also Read: Durga Puja: Eco-friendly Puja Pandal In Guwahati

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