As per the general guidelines, the idols of Goddess Durga should be made from natural materials as described in the holy scripts. Natural clay, bamboo, choir ropes, straw, etc., should be used instead of baked clay, plaster of paris, synthetic ropes, etc., that cause damage to the environment.

“For painting idols, non-toxic water soluble biodegradable paints are to be used. Use of chemical dyes containing heavy metals like lead, cadmium, etc., or carcinogenic organics which cause immense pollution to water sources must not be done. Use of thermocole for decoration of image or puja pandal or as drinking glasses should be avoided, as this material leads to exothermic self-decomposition contributing extra heat to global warming,” the guidelines read.

The PCBA also called for stopping the use of non-biodegradable items like plastic-made plates, glasses, spoons, etc., as those do not decompose naturally and cause environmental nuisance. Rather natural materials like banana leaves, earthen cup, etc., should be used, it added.

The PCBA further asked the authorities concerned including the puja organizers to arrange for easy movement of vehicles around the puja pandal to avoid traffic jam, which also leads to serious air pollution.

On garbage disposal, the guidelines said that garbage generated in the puja pandal should not be scattered here and there but should be collected in bins placed at selected sites which may be finally disposed of scientifically by the authorities concerned.

Stressing the need for proper immersion of idols following the puja, the PCBA said that the public should be made aware of bad effects of unscientific immersion and should be educated on the eco-friendly ways of doing it.

“Clothes to be used for decorating images should be made of natural fibre like cotton, pat, silk, etc., and not synthetic fibres like nylon, tereline, etc. All loose materials attached to the images which may pollute the water or stagnate water flow should be removed and collected separately,” it said.

It also called for construction of temporary confined ponds with earthen bunds. In case of immersion of idols in rivers and lakes so that after the completion of immersion, supernatant water may be allowed to flow in river, pond and lake, as the case may be, after checking for colour and turbidity. Lime may also be added in temporary confined ponds.

The PCBA further called for strict adherence by all the puja committees to the norms concerning designated venue and time for immersion as fixed by the authority to avoid abnormally high gathering, stampede, etc.

The PCBA, in its general guidelines for local bodies/authorities, called for arrangement of adequate number of designated immersion ghats to avoid overcrowding and localisation of water pollution.

“Sufficient numbers of bins/containers are to be provided to avoid littering of food and other wastes etc. These bins or containers, wherever placed, shall be cleared before they start overflowing. Disposal should be done under the provision of Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Rules 2000,” it said.

Some other recommendations included keeping vehicles away from puja pandals as far as practicable; providing of utilities such as clean and disinfected drinking water and adequate lighting arrangement along with CCTV cameras in the pandals; adequate drainage facilities in the premises of the puja pandals to avoid water-logging; stretching the immersion ceremony to over two days to avoid pollution of water-bodies and overcrowding, if necessary; and formation of a coordination committee comprising district administration officials, municipal officials, police, NGOs, etc., for guiding the public and the puja committees for carrying out immersion with minimum adverse effect to the environment.