HC ORDER FLOUTED
- The HC in 2015 had directed the ULBs to construct temporary ponds close to rivers to ensure pollution-free immersion
- Several outfits, business houses and vehicle owners’ associations were seen immersing the clay idols of Lord Ganesh and Lord Vishwakarma in River Daya
- No attempt was made either by the civic body or Dhauli police to discourage dumping of idols in the river
Bhubaneswar: The popular expression ‘Old habits die hard’ holds good when it comes to the age-old practice of immersing clay idols in rivers, ponds and other water bodies, disregard to its environmental repercussions.
Like other years this festive season, so far, is no different. Even though the Orissa High Court had ruled against immersion of idols in rivers, ponds and other water bodies; several outfits, business houses and vehicle owners’ associations were seen immersing the clay idols of Lord Ganesh and Lord Vishwakarma in River Daya here.
Though the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has dug up a temporary pond on Daya riverbank for the purpose, it was alleged that the civic body did precious little to make people aware of water pollution. Moreover, the BMC did not deploy any official near the river to prevent people from immersing idols there.
Dhauli police, which is supposed to conduct patrolling in the locality to discourage people from violating the HC order, has been a mute spectator.
Artisans usually use hay, sliced wood and chemical colours to prepare attractive clay idols. These materials along with the clay invariably cause water pollution when idols are dumped in rivers and other water bodies. Human beings as well as animals often contract skin and other diseases by using the polluted water.
Taking serious not of the issue, the HC in 2015 had directed the urban local bodies to construct temporary ponds close to rivers to ensure pollution-free immersion. However, the HC order has fallen flat due to ignorance and non-cooperation from people and outfits.
Several outfits, commercial entities and public were seen immersing clay idols in River Daya Wednesday. They also dumped polythene bags and materials used in puja pandals in the river in blatant violation of the HC order.
“The BMC and local police should take adequate steps to thwart immersion of idols in Daya,” said a commuter on Bhubaneswar-Puri National Highway after witnessing the flagrant violation of the court order.
Meanwhile, Dhauli police station inspector in-charge Jaydip Bishwajit claimed that they had deployed forces and conducted patrolling in the locality to check immersion of idols in the river. However, many eyewitnesses contradicted the police version and claimed that no official and security personnel were present during immersion of idols in Daya.