SHILLONG: The Forest and Environment Department has issued guidelines restricting use of harmful materials for making idols ahead of the festival season.
The Department, in a press release on Thursday, said immersion of idols made of plaster of paris, cement and plastic not only affect the environment but also leads to public health hazards. The paints used for decorating idols contain harmful substances like mercury, zinc oxide, chromium and lead and contaminate rivers, lakes and local ponds, damage aquatic ecosystem, and block natural flow of water resulting in soil and land degradation.
The contaminated water also causes skin diseases and cancer.
The Department said there is an urgent need to discourage the use of such harmful materials when less harmful substitutes like paper and mud are easily available.
The guidelines for idol immersion have been formulated by the Central Pollution Control Board. The salient aspects include use of natural materials and traditional clay for idol-making, discouraging painting of idols, promoting water soluble and non-toxic natural dyes, creating public awareness on ill effects of immersion and precautions to be taken during immersion.
The Waste Management Rules and guidelines prohibiting insoluble and non-biodegradable materials will be strictly enforced by the Environment Department, the Pollution Control Board and local bodies.
