Enclosures for idol immersions: Govt

The Delhi government has informed the Delhi High Court that it has taken measures to ensure there is no rise in pollution levels in the Yamuna river after immersions of idols this year. Harish V Nair reports.

The Delhi government has informed the Delhi High Court that it has taken measures to ensure there is no rise in pollution levels in the Yamuna river after immersions of idols this year.

HT Image

In an affidavit filed before the court ahead of the Durga Puja and Dussehra festivals, the government said several special enclosures had been constructed for immersion of the idols. "A meeting was held on October 12 at the level of Secretary (Environment) regarding construction of designated enclosures for immersion of idols in the river Yamuna," it said

The affidavit said the irrigation and flood control department had made enclosures at Ram Ghat, Kudesai Ghat, Geeta Ghat and Kalindi Kunj for the immersion of idols and proper signs had been put up indicating "Danger, deep water ahead, entry prohibited" in Hindi and English.

The Delhi Development Authority will make arrangements of lighting and provide other facilities, while the trifurcated Municipal Corporation of Delhi will provide civic amenities, including toilets for general public, besides cleaning up the river banks after the immersions, the affidavit said.

The court was hearing a contempt petition filed by environmental activist VK Jain alleging that the authorities had failed to construct permanent enclosures on the Yamuna's banks for immersion of idols and other items during festivals in compliance with its 2006 order.