Ganesha idol immersion pollutes ponds in S'ghatta

The Ganesha immersion has led to the pollution of even the few water bodies of the taluk, making the water hazardous for use.

There is water only in the ponds of Hanumantapura, Chimmanahalli, Veerapura and Dyapanagudu. As these are located close to the town, most of the Ganesha idols have been immersed in these ponds.

For some years now there is a growing awareness about the water pollution caused by the immersion of Ganesh idols made out of plaster of Paris, in natural water bodies such as lakes, rivers and the sea.

Plaster of Paris is not a naturally occurring material. It is a calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate derived from gypsum, a calcium sulfate dihydrate, by firing this mineral at relatively low temperature and then reducing it to powder.

While idols made out of naturally occurring clay dissolve within hours of immersion in water, plaster of Paris idols may  take anywhere between several months to years to fully dissolve.

In addition, when chemical paints are used to decorate the idols, these paints contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which seep into the water as the idol dissolves.

Pollution is also caused by the waste generated by the non biodegradable accessories used during the worship.

In the ponds of Shidlaghatta, besides the immersion of the idols, the ponds have been littered with flowers, leaves used as plates for eating and burnt fireworks. The water has been polluted changing the very colour of the water.

These ponds in the villages are a lifeline for the cattle and sheep as they provide drinking water to them. The water can prove to be hazardous to these animals. Aquatic life, like fish also can be killed.