Plastic and thermacol from the idols also pollute the water
Environmentalists are disturbed about the impact these immersions will have on the marine life in the Park. Sujoy Monga, member of the Conservation and Education Centre (CEC) of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), says, It is definitely polluting as the idols, made of plaster of Paris, coloured with paints, are very toxic, not only for the water but also for the life in and around it, he says.
Besides, there is also inorganic waste like the plastic and thermocol that is thrown into the water during the immersion procession, he adds. The toxic level of the water touches a point where last year, around 30,000 dead fish were found floating the day after the immersion.
Monga, who is also the author of City Forest, Mumbais National Park, says, The toxic elements in the water cause a chain reaction, affecting the animals and birds that prey on the fish and water plants too.
Izaac Kihimkar, public relations officer of the CEC, says, The Park has two major lakes, Tulsi and Vihar, he says. Vihar supplies 10 percent of fresh water to Mumbai. So though that water may be contaminated due to the idols, we have not yet received any reports.
A R Bharati, deputy conservator of the Forest, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, says, We are aware of the problem but taking any stern action against such religious activities can only create political and social problems.
Though the orchestra groups were banned inside the Park earlier, from this year onwards, we urged the public to remove the garlands and flowers and collect them in containers arranged in the park, before submerging the idols, he adds.
pooja@mid-day.com
