However, in a move away from tradition, the B Block CR Park Durga Puja Committee decided to bid adieu to Durga in an eco-friendly way. The residents dug two pits (5 feet by 10 feet) in their colony park and covered it with a tarpaulin to hold water.

They lowered the biodegradable idols of Durga and her children in these pits. After the idols were dissolved, the bamboo frame left behind was returned to the craftsmen to be reused later.

"We encourage recycling. These pits are used as compost pits. The fertiliser from here is used for the development of the park throughout the year. We also have enough leftover for the residents to use in their gardens," says TamalRakshit, general secretary.

For 74-year-old Bimol Banerjee, to travel to the banks of Yamuna to witness visarjan (immersion) is a Herculean task. For the last five years, he hasn't seen a visarjan. "It is too crowded at the ghats and the conditions are not suitable for the elderly, but this environment-friendly immersion has given me a chance to witness this again."

"This way, we aren't choking our water bodies. Women, children and elderly, too, can be part of the celebrations. We would like to urge more pujo committees to join in and help make festivals environment friendly," said MrRakshit.