NGT directs against idol immersion in eco-sensitive water bodies

CHENNAI: The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the formation of a committee headed by the Environment, Climate and Forest department secretary to simplify the guidelines for idol immersion in consonance with the CPCB's revised guidelines and also to avoid eco-sensitive water bodies like Pulicat lake, rivers, estuaries, Ramsar wetlands for immersion.

The tribunal's order was issued in the petition filed by Hariharan, a resident of Pudupet, seeking to preserve and protect the state's natural water bodies by prohibiting the immersion of idols in water bodies during the Vinayagar Chaturthi festival or any other festival and maintaining the water resources free from pollution or containments.

Citing the order passed by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to follow the revised guidelines for idol immersion issued by CPCB, the NGT directed set up a committee headed by the secretary of the environment department and comprising of Public Department secretary, Commission of Revenue Administration and TNPCB chairman to simplify the guidelines in line with CPCB's and enforce the same in all the districts.

It directed that the eco-sensitive water bodies like Pulicat Lake, Rivers, Estuaries, and Ramsar wetlands be consciously avoided.

With the festival falling on September 18, it asked the government to take necessary actions in this regard and directed the committee to file the action taken report.