GUWAHATI, Oct 14 � Expressing concern over the increase in pollution levels in water-bodies following immersion of idols after Durga Puja, the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) today said that no satisfactory actions were being initiated by the district administration and the local authorities concerned on the direction issued by the Board in connection with idol immersion.
The PCBA every year issues a number of directions under the provision of the Environment Protection Act 1986 and also in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi, to protect the environment during and after the Durga Puja festival resulting from unscientific dumping and disposal of various solid waste generated during the Durga Puja Festival and from the immersion of idols.
The PCBA has again directed the puja organisers to avoid using thermocol or any non- biodegradable items for decoration and idol making as it leads to exothermic self- accelerating decomposition creating environmental pollution.
As per PCBA directives, only eco-friendly paper plate, banana leaves, shell leaves or clay plates for distribution of prasad, while it also prohibits music system/microphones/drums before 8 am and after 10 pm. �During the remaining times of day the above items may be played with emitting sound level within the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise level as per the provision of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rule 2000,� it said.
The PCBA further asked the authorities concerned to take necessary steps during immersion of puja idols for collecting the structures from water-bodies within 24 hours. The structures are to be disposed as per the provision of the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rule 2000, so that the final disposal in terms of specific measures under the provision of the above mentioned rules can prevent contamination of surface water, ground water and ambient air quality.
Other directives of the PCBA include arrangement of adequate designated immersion ghats to avoid overcrowding and localization of water pollution, besides providing sufficient number of bins/containers for avoiding 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 and Handling) Rules 2000,� it said.
The directives also included keeping vehicles away from puja mandaps as far as practicable; arrangement of utilities such as clean and disinfected drinking water and lighting arrangement; adequate drainage facilities in the premises of the puja mandaps to avoid water-logging; and if necessary, immersion ceremony to be spread over two days to avoid pollution of water-bodies and overcrowding.
The PCBA further called for forming 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.
AGP celebrates 25th foundation day
Guwahati, Oct 14 � Opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) celebrated its 25th foundation day today with its president Chandra Mohan Patowary appealing to the people to make it the alternative to the ruling Congress in the Assembly polls next year, reports PTI.
The party flag was hoisted, prayers held at the Assam Agitation martyrs� columns, besides public meetings at the AGP headquarters at Ambari here and district and sub-divisional offices.
Patowary said only regional parties could solve the problems of the State and urged the people to strengthen it.
AGP founder president and former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta recalled the lives sacrificed during the six-year-long Assam Agitation, which ended with the signing of the Assam Accord on the Independence Day in 1985 by the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and All Assam Students� Union (AASU), which was headed by him.
