Guidelines for idol installation and immersion in Nagpur
Ganesh Idols are immersed in water bodies which include rivers, lakes, ponds, wells etc. Consequent pollution of such water bodies has been a matter of concern. In addition to silting, toxic chemicals used in making idols tend to leach out and pose serious problems of water pollution. Studies carried out to assess deterioration in water quality due to immersion of idols have revealed that water quality deteriorates in respect of conductivity, biochemical oxygen demand and concentration of heavy metals. The pollution from Ganesh Chaturthi idols also damages the ecosystem, kills fish other marine life and harms other life dependent on the water such as birds, animals and human beings.