New Delhi: Cleanliness work to remove debris and idols from artificial ponds, which were used for immersion of idols after Durga Puja celebrations, has started following Delhi government's order. Delhi's Environment Minister Kailash Gahlot ordered the three municipalities to clear debris and plastic material from around all artificial ponds. Artificial pond at C.R Park's Mela Ground has already been cleared. "We are waiting for the ground water to go down, after that, we will fill the hole with mud," said a worker there.
Meanwhile, work to clean the pond at Kali Badi Mandir in CR Park is at full swing. Speaking to Millennium Post, Shreebash Bhattacharjee, Secretary of the Kali Badi Mandir applauded the initiative and said, "It is important for us to look after the environment. After Delhi government's stern order, all areas were dug with artificial ponds and immersion took place there. Now, we are clearing the ponds and removing the idols."
With limited space for pond at the temple, it is taking time for the authorities to clear the area. "The statue was too big, but we are clearing it. It might take a day or two. We are also waiting for the water to go down," said Bhattacharjee.
The ponds were dug and a plastic sheet was used to cover it. "The leftover debris will be swooped up through the plastic sheet that has been spread and a lid will cover the hole," he added.
Gahlot had ordered quick removal of idols and debris from artifical ponds. Taking to Twitter he had tweeted, "Removal of idols/debris/plastics from the 'Artifical Ponds' created this year by GNCTD to preserve Yamuna and the env, is the responsibility of civic agencies.Have directed Environment Dept to ensure that civic agencies inc MCDs comply with the directions immediately." Meanwhile, no idol immersion took place at Yamuna this year.