WATER POLLUTION DUE TO HARMFUL PRACTICES DURING GANESH FESTIVAL

 

WATER POLLUTION DUE TO

HARMFUL PRACTICES DURING

GANESH FESTIVAL

Ganesh Chaturthi is a widely celebrated festival originating in Maharashtra which brings joy and unity among different communities as they join together to worship Lord Ganesha. However, in recent times, the exuberance of the festivities has lead to water pollution and adverse effects on our planet. Through this article we try to convey the different harmful effects of the festivities.

Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of the elephant headed Hindu deity, lord Ganesha. The festivities include idol processions. Unfortunately, majority of the public uses plaster-of-paris(POP) idols which when submerged after the festival, lead to water pollution which have detrimental effects on our present water resources and marine life.

Major Harmful Practices include:

1) Plaster of Paris(POP) idols : Most of the idols are made up of POP , non-biodegradable and inorganic material. These models are immersed in water bodies after the festival where these idols disintegrate, releasing toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the water, contaminating the water and disrupting the aquatic ecosystem leading to the death of marine life.

2) Chemical Colours : Synthetic colours which contain many toxic chemicals are released into the water contributing to water pollution. Due to this, the water quality is severely affected.

3) Plastics : These synthetic polymers are used in decoration alongside thermocol which when submerged, can lead to clogged waterways and choking marine life animals. Loads of thermocol and micro plastics  enter water bodies and pose threat to marine life.

The consequences of these practices are quite severe and devastating. Not only marine life but we are also affected as we are quite dependent on these water resources. Individuals who come in contact with contaminated water can develop severe skin and respiratory ailments including cancer.

There are many ways one can celebrate this auspicious festival without affecting our environment like using eco-friendly idols, organic colours and submerging the idols in artificial Ponds.

It is our duty now to honour the spirit of Lord Ganesha by being a responsible citizen of the planet Earth.

                                                                                                                        By-Ayush Pandey