Goddess Durga leaves from Delhi’s seven Yamuna ghats

NEW DELHI: Hundreds of Durga idols were immersed at around seven Yamuna ghats across the national capital on Tuesday, with authorities trying to ensure that non-biodegradable

NEW DELHI: Hundreds of Durga idols were immersed at around seven Yamuna ghats across the national capital on Tuesday, with authorities trying to ensure that non-biodegradable items do not make it to the already polluted river.

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Showing the way forward, the Chittaranjan Park Durga Puja Samiti of B Block, immersed their eco-friendly idols in an on-site water pit on Tuesday.

Water activist Manoj Mishra said the National Green Tribunal strictly prohibited immersions at places other than designated spots. Pollution control bodies have already banned idols made of Plaster of Paris PoP), he said.

Environmental activists and green brigades have been calling for eco-friendly alternatives for visarjan that will save our planet, especially its rivers.

Anumita Roychowdury, executive director, centre of science and environment, earlier said initiatives that use biodegradable materials to build idols and pandals should be incentivised.

Revenue department DC, SK Jha, also reiterated they were trying to encourage more people to embrace greener alternatives.

There was heavy traffic on major roads and areas such as MandirMarg, PanchkuianRoad, Kashmere Gate, Chandgi Ram Akhara, Minto Road, Rajghat and Oute rRing Road, said police.

The processions comprising several types of vehicles congregated at Kudesia Ghat, Geeta Ghat, Shyam Ghat, Kalindi Kunj, Chatth Puja Ghat and Chilla Ghat for idol immersion.