The city of Bhubaneswar’s idol builders and puja committees are accused of breaking the new regulations put in place to prevent water and environmental pollution during Ganesh Puja celebrations.
A number of requirements for idol manufacturers and puja committees are outlined in the Odisha Prevention and Control of Water Pollution (Procedure for Immersion of Idol after Pujas) Rules, 2021.
The guidelines for eco-friendly puja celebrations have been developed in accordance with the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directives.
According to the new regulations, idol producers that produce more than 100 idols each day would need approval from the relevant municipal authority.
No harmful, inorganic raw materials, such as conventionally moral clay and mud, may be used in the creation of the idols; instead, they must be constructed from natural, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly raw materials.
The use of Plaster of Paris (POP), plastic, and thermocol (polystyrene), as well as poisonous and non-biodegradable chemical dyes, oil paints, and synthetic dye-based paints, in the creation of idols, are also prohibited by the new regulation.
The municipal bodies in charge will forbid registered idol makers from creating idols and impose fines if they don’t follow the rules.
However, it is claimed that neither idol builders nor puja committees are abiding by the rules. Due to Covid-19, the holiday season has started after a two-year hiatus, and police and municipal governments have forgotten to ensure that the rules are being followed.
Prasanta Patnaik 
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