MYSORE, INDIA, September 3, 2004: As Ganesha Chaturthi approaches this year, environmentalists are encouraging devotees and icon-makers to use biodegradable materials to make the icons and to paint them with natural dyes and vegetable oils. So far this call to protect the rivers, lakes and the sea from the onslaught of harmful substances during the celebration has been voluntary. However, the article points out, “A memorandum was submitted to the Union Minister for Environment and Forests last year to take up the matter at the national level as the festival is celebrated all over India and icons are immersed in various water bodies, including the sea. But the Ministry has not taken any action in this regard.” In Mysore, the Kukkarahalli Lake Protection Committee has publicly appealed to icon-makers to use natural substances that will not harm the lake as it is a popular spot for the immersion of Ganesha icons. The article says, “Icon-makers use plaster of Paris, metallic powders, adhesives, varnishes, oil and plastic paints. The insoluble plaster of Paris will choke natural water sources and aquifers in the lakes and wells. The chemicals used to decorate the icons will harm the eyes, the skin and the respiratory system. Likewise, the pigments used for painting the icons are poisonous and contain carcinogenic elements.” Local residents are concerned about Kukkarahalli Lake as it was recently revived with the construction of bunds that, according to the article, augment fresh water inflow through a rainwater harvesting system.
A daily summary of world news for Hindus and non-Hindus alike