Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has created temporary artificial ponds on the bank of river Daya and Kuakhai for immersion of Durga idols in the city.
Keeping in mind pollution of water bodies caused by immersion of idols, the administration decided to come up with the idea of creating artificial ponds in the city.
While Durga idols of Rasulgarh, Bomikhal, Sahid Nagar, Jharpada, Laxmisagar, Nayapalli, VaniVihar, Kharvela Nagar pandals will be immersed in artificial ponds created in river Kuakhai, idols of Station Bazaar, Dhauli, Rajmahal and Kalpana Square pandals will be immersed in temporary artificial ponds created by the municipal body in river Daya.
Earlier, puja committees used to immerse the idols at Kuakhai and Daya rivers apart from other natural water bodies in Bhubaneswar leading to major pollution.
Harmful chemicals such as chromium, cadmium, lead and copper are used to make idols, which dissolve in water and pose a threat to both human beings and flora and fauna.
PNN