Only bio-degradable idols to be immersed in Yamuna: NGT
17 Sep 2015 1:04 AM GMT
With the festive season soon approaching, the green court on Wednesday passed a slew of directions to prevent pollution of the Yamuna river including a ban on immersion of idols except those made from <g data-gr-id="23">bio-degradable</g> material.
“Idol immersion should be allowed only of the ones which are made from bio-degradable material and not plastic/plaster of Paris. Only those colours should be used on the idols which are environment-friendly,” a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said.
Favouring designated sites for immersion of idols, the tribunal directed the Irrigation Department of the Delhi government and Uttar Pradesh to hold a meeting with the Vice Chairman of Delhi Development Authority to “immediately identify” such sites during the festive season. “The above committee would also report as to whether the nine ghats to be provided and maintained by the respective corporations have been constructed and are being maintained regularly.”
The tribunal directed the authorities concerned to notify and publicise about <g data-gr-id="13">immersion</g> of idols on ghats to enable the people know about the identified sites for immersion.
‘Yamuna to be cleaned within 3 yrs’
The now polluted Yamuna will be cleaned within the next three years, asserted Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra on Wednesday while conducting a boat-ride inspection of the national Capital’s lifeline. “The Yamuna river which has now been reduced to a dark <g data-gr-id="41">grey-coloured</g> lifeless river will be cleaned within the next three years,” Mishra said, while on the fact-finding survey of the river.
“The oxygen level in the river has also gone way below what is required. We’ll make the river so <g data-gr-id="42">clean</g> that people will be able to bathe in it,” he said.
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