Impact of Durga Puja on River Ganga

International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science

© 2023 by SSRG - IJAES Journal

Volume 10 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2023

Authors : Jitavati Das

10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V10I3P102

How to Cite?

Jitavati Das, "Impact of Durga Puja on River Ganga," SSRG International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science, vol. 10,  no. 3, pp. 7-18, 2023. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V10I3P102

Abstract:

For Bengalis worldwide, celebrating Durga Puja is quite significant. The annual five-day festival honours and worships the goddess Durga while commemorating the triumph of good over evil. The idols were made from organic matter and natural colours, but POP (Plaster of Paris) has now substituted it. This has led to a complete water column disturbance during the idol immersion phase, leading to the aquatic life's quietus. Chemical paints are primarily used to coat the idol, which includes mercury, cadmium, lead, cobalt, zinc, and carbon. This releases toxic elements during immersion of the idol and raises acidity, solid matter, and heavy metals in the river. Precisely, lead or Pb is neurotoxic and carcinogenic. It is persistent in the aquatic environment due to the most important factor: it cannot be broken down because it is a natural component of the earth's crust. Therefore, it gradually accumulates and magnifies through bioaccumulation and biomagnification, moving up across the food chain and causing severe health repercussions in human beings. Therefore, there is a dire need to advocate for a ban on POP and chemical colours. The simplest, best alternative is to return to our roots and begin large-scale production of organic dyes and idols using the sophisticated, antiquated custom of borrowing clay from the bank of a river used historically for making idols without impacting the environment. Further, adopting these practices will also lead to a surge in employment opportunities, particularly for skilled rural artisans.

Keywords:

Chemical colour, Durga puja, Health hazard, POP, Water pollution.

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