The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the concerned authorities to enforce the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) guidelines for idol immersion in the Ghaggar river in Haryana. This decision came in response to a petition that raised concerns about the improper disposal of religious offerings and waste materials in the river, particularly through the immersion of non-eco-friendly idols.
The bench, led by Acting Chairperson Justice S K Singh and comprising judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel, highlighted the CPCB’s recommendation to designate barricaded spaces in the river for idol immersion. As per the CPCB guidelines, idols should be made from natural materials, painting of idols should be discouraged, and non-biodegradable materials should be disposed of separately.
In light of these guidelines, the NGT directed the state authorities and the concerned collector to ensure strict compliance with the CPCB’s rules regarding idol immersions. The tribunal also acknowledged a report submitted by the Panckula deputy commissioner, which mentioned plans to deploy a police team to prevent idol immersions in the river and penalize those who dump waste by stopping vehicles on the Ghaggar bridge.
