Environmental Impact

This festival, brings together 1000s of people but in modern times is also contributing to serious environmental pollution. The immersion of idols made out of chemical materials causes significant water pollution.
Plaster of paris contains gypsum, sulphur, phosphorus and magnesium
Chemical paints contain mercury, cadmium, lead and carbon
Immersion of these can poison the waters of lakes, rivers and the sea by increasing acidity,solidity matter,organic matter and heavy metals

The Alternatives
Use permanent idols made of brass or stone
Reuse the same idol again the next year
Use a small unpainted idol made of unbaked clay
Immerse the idol in a tub or a water tank
Collect the flowers and nirmalya and compost them
Avoid the use of thermocole and plastic in decorations.

So , I request all the people who join this group to create awareness about this and swear to celebrate this great festival in a Eco-friendly way!