DCs brace for idols immersion
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 02 2014 :
Deputy Commissioners of Imphal East and lmphal West districts have initiated certain measures for immersion of Durga and Panthoibi idols/photographs at the end of the ongoing puja festival in accordance with the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) .
The DCs took up these initiatives because immersion of idols directly in rivers or lakes is illegal, informed a source.
Imphal East DC M Joy and Imphal West DC K Radhakumar convened two separate meetings with relevant officers and puja committee members last month.
For Imphal East district, it was agreed to immerse all idols/photographs in Bengal Pukhri (pond) and Tandal Pukhri of Mantripukhri.
For Wangkhei Durga Puja, the idol would be immersed in the nearby pond and for Govindaji Temple Durga Puja, the idol would be immersed in a pond located within the temple complex.
For Telipati and others, the idols would be immersed in the temporary pond to be constructed by IMC on Imphal river bank.
It was also agreed to put synthetic liners at the bottom of all ponds and other immersion sites.
All Durga and Panthoibi idols worshipped in Imphal West district would also be immersed in the temporary pond to be constructed on Imphal river bank at Telipati.
Participants of both the meetings further agreed to adhere to the guidelines of the Ministry of Environment and Forest and the CPCB.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Pollution Control Board has issued a set of guidelines to the general public and puja committees with regard to immersion of idols, added the source.
Durga Puja and Pathoibi festivals are currently underway.