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STUDY TEAM
ADVISOR
Prof. Basant Kumar Agarwala Chairman
CO-ORDIANTION
Sri Bishu Karmakar Member Secretary
COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES FROM IDOL IMMERSION SITE
Sri Sushanta Das Jr. Scientist
Sri Goutam Gosh Jr. Scientist
Sri Rajib Paul Jr. Scientific Assistant
Smt. Tuli Chakma Jr. Scientific Assistant
Sri Ratan Debnath Sr. Laboratory Assistant
Sri Rahul Lodh Jr. Laboratory Assistant
LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Sri Rajib Paul Jr. Scientific Assistant
Sri Ratan Debnath Sr. Laboratory
Assistant
Sri Rahul Lodh Jr. Laboratory
Assistant
REPORT PREPARATION
Sri Rajib Pal Jr. Scientific Assistant
Sri Rahul Lodh Jr. Laboratory Assistant
SECRETARIAL ASSISTANCE
Sri Suman Deb Data Entry Operator
CONTENTS
SECTION TITLE PAGE
1.0
Introduction 1
2.0
Revised Guidelines of
CPCB for Idol immersion
1
3.0
Objectives 5
4.0
Methods of measurement 5
5.0
Monitoring Points 6
6.0
Findings 6
7.0
Observations 21
8.0
Conclusion 21
9.0
Recommendations 21
SUMMARY OF THE REPORT
In compliance of the guidelines of the for immersion of idols during the festivals like
Durga Puja and other festivals issued by Central Pollution Control Board dated
18.06.2010 and also in compliance of the direction of the Hon’ble National Green
Tribunal, Tripura State Pollution Control Board conducted the water quality monitoring
of upstream and downstream of major rivers of Tripura before, during and post
immersion of durga idols on 19.10.2020, 26.10.2020 and 02.11.2020 respectively during
Durga Puja Festival-2020. Water quality with respect to physicochemical parameters viz.
pH, Conductivity, Turbidity, DO, BOD, Chlorides, Total Alkalinity, Total hardness, Total
dissolved solids and heavy metals viz. Arsenic, Lead, cadmium and chromium were
assessed. Assessment revealed that, no significant deterioration in water quality was
observed even after immersion of idols. Assessment of Water Quality in the pre, during
and post immersion of Idols revealed that Dissolved Oxygen was found within the
Primary Water Quality Criteria for Bathing for all immersion site. During idol immersion,
the organic pollutant such as BOD is overall increased due to human influence and puja
ingredients on the occasion Durga puja festival but remained within the tolerance limit of
Primary Water Quality Criteria for Bathing except at Dashamighat idol immersion site of
Haora River. During Pre-Idol Immersion and post-Idol Immersion, no exceedance was
observed for heavy metals such as As, Cd, Lead and Chromium. Concentration of few
heavy and tracer metals increased slightly in almost all the sampling locations due to
immersion of Durga idols but found within the prescribed standard limits of CPCB for
Primary Water Quality Criteria for Bathing. The above findings revealed that except at
the Dashamighat idol immersion site of Haora River, the surface water of all the other
sampling locations is fit for outdoor bathing even after immersion of idols but not fit for
direct drinking purposes.
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1.0 Introduction:
India is a land of rich cultural heritage and beliefs where various cultural and religious festivals are
celebrated throughout the year in different parts of the country. Among the significant Indian festivals
Durga Puja is one of them. Durga Puja is the famous festival of Tripura which is celebrated throughout
the State over four days in autumn season. This year Durga Puja festival was celebrated during the dates
October 23-26, 2020. This festival ends by the immersion of thousands of Hindu deity idols of various
sizes reaching heights up to 5 to 25 feet in water bodies such as River, Lake, and Pond within 2 to 3 days
after Vijaya Dashami day (26.10.2020). The idols are made up of degradable and non-degradable
components.
In Tripura, the Durga Idols are made by clay, cloths, small iron rods, bamboo and decorated with
different paints such as varnish, water colors, Synthetic colors etc. Paints which are used to color these
idols may contain various heavy metals such as Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Zinc, Chromium and Lead.
Particularly red, blue, orange and green colors may contain mercury, zinc oxide, chromium and lead,
which are potent carcinogens. Two heavy metals such as Lead and Chromium may also add in the water
bodies through Sindoor which is a traditional red colored cosmetic powder, usually worn by married
women and often used in the festivals. The floating materials released through idol in the river and lake
after decomposition result in eutrophication, increase in acidity and heavy metal concentration. Heavy
metal pollution caused by idol immersion can damage the ecosystem as it kills fishes, damages plants,
blocks the natural flow of the water. No Plaster of Paris is used to make Durga Idols in Tripura.
In capital city Agartala maximum numbers of idols are being immersed mainly at Dashamighat
immersion site of Haora River. Haora River is the lifeline of Agartala city because it fulfills the major
demand of drinking water as well as water for other purposes of the entire population of Agartala city.
In Udaipur, the District headquarters of Gomati District, the idols are being immersed at Dashamighat
immersion site of Gomati River. In Ambassa, the District headquarters of Dhalai District, the idols are
being immersed at Dashamighat immersion site of Dhalai River. In Kumarghat, the idols are being
immersed at Dashamighat immersion site of Deo River.
In Tripura, approximately 500(five hundred) Clubs, houses etc. organized Durga puja during present
year.
2.0 Revised Guidelines of CPCB for Idol immersion:
In pursuance to the directions of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court, CPCB evolved the Guidelines for
immersion of idols and other puja materials reaching in the water bodies during festival.
Guidelines are divided into 5 parts:
1. Guidelines for idol makers-craftsmans or artisans.
2. Guidelines for pooja organising committees.
3. Guidelines for idol immersion in rivers, lakes and ponds.
4. Guidelines for idol immersion in sea
5. Guidelines for idol immersion by households.
2 | P a g e
Guidelines for idol makers-craftsmans or artisans:
Idols made up of only natural, bio-degradable, eco-friendly raw materials without any toxic, inorganic
raw materials [such as traditional virtuous clay and mud as well as free from Plaster of Paris (PoP),
plastic and thermocol (polystyrene)] should be encouraged, allowed and promoted and Idols made
up of Plaster of Paris (PoP) shall be banned.
Only dried flower components, straw etc. for making ornaments of idols and natural resins of trees
may be used as a shining material for making idols attractive.
Use of Single use plastic and thermocol materials shall not be permitted strictly and only eco-friendly
materials as straw structure should be used in making idols or decoration of idols/pandals/tazias in
order to prevent pollution in recipient water bodies.
Use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes/oil paints for painting idols should be strictly
prohibited. Enamel and synthetic dye based paints on idols should be discouraged instead eco-
friendly water-based, bio-degradable and non-toxic natural dyes should be used.
For beautification of idols, removable and washable decorative clothes made only with natural
materials and dyes shall be used in place of disposable material containing paints and other toxic
chemicals. Only naturally occurring colors from plants (flowers, barks, stamens, leaves, roots, seeds,
whole fruits), feathers of different birds, mineral or colored rocks shall be used for coloring.
Craftsmen or artisans or manufacturer involved in making idols should be registered with the civic
bodies, and should involve in making eco-friendly idols in accordance with these guidelines. In case of
Large Scale Idol manufacturers (at least involved in making more than 100 idols in a day) shall obtain
registration from the concerned ULBs (registration fee along with a deposit as decided by the ULB
depending on the idol making capacity) and failing to comply with these guidelines or any violation of
registration conditions, the deposit shall be forfeited by the ULBs apart from prohibition of idol
making at least for two years.
In the interest of protection of the environment, the craftsman or artisans prefer to adopt innovative
approaches (Eg., use of natural clay, pyramid of sugarcane sticks that represents the pandals, natural
clay mixed with alum for making idols (on disintegration of idol made out of mud mixed with alum in
water, then alum act as a coagulant) in consultation with the concerned State Pollution Control
Board (SPCB)/Pollution Control Committee (PCC). Idol should be made from natural materials as
described in the holy scripts. Use of traditional clay for idol making rather than backed clay, plaster of
paris etc. may be encouraged, allowed and promoted.
Guidelines for pooja organising committees:
As far as possible, low height and eco-friendly idols (made with natural clay, idols stuffed with eco-
friendly food materials such as corn, spinach, wheat and vegetable powder), idols decorated with
biodegradable, organic colours such as turmeric, chandan and gerua etc., only should be used for
offering poojas to avoid impact on environment.
Use of cleaned multi-use metallic or glass or plastic utensils is ideal choice, especially when such
material is available from utensil banks. Only biodegradable plates such as Patravali or Pattal or
Vistaraku or Vistar or Khali or trencher made with broad dried leaves such as
Areca/Banana/Banyan/Sal leaves, biodegradable paper cups/plates and earthen pots may be used in
place of single use plastic and polystyrene (Thermocol) for prasad distribution and other purposes.
3 | P a g e
Worship material like flowers, Patri (leaves), vastras (clothes), decorating materials (made of paper
and bio-degradable or compostable plastic but not single use plastic) etc. should be ensured to
remove before immersion of idols and segregated in colour coded bins provided at the designated
idol immersion areas/spots.
In the interest of protection of the environment, Pooja Organizing Committees should procure eco-
friendly idols only from the respective ULBs registered or authorised craftsman or artisans.
Pooja Organising Committees should seek prior permission from concerned ULB as the case may by
providing management plan and the required provisions (as per the format to be issued by the ULBs)
for ensuring safe idol immersion during festival season well at least one month in advance for making
necessary arrangements in consultation with the concerned departments. A co-ordination
Committee comprising Police, Non-Government Organizations, Local Authorities, SPCBs,
representatives of pooja committees and stakeholders may be set up for guiding the public in
carrying out the immersion with minimal impact on water bodies.
Guidelines for idol immersion in rivers, lakes and ponds:
As far as possible idol immersion in Rivers/Ponds/Lakes shall be encouraged only at specific
designated artificial confined tanks/ponds with liner made with well graded/highly impervious clay or
eco synthetic liner, on the banks shall be promoted.
A temporary artificial tank or pond with liner made with well graded/highly impervious clay or eco
synthetic liner (HDPE), and having earthen bunds on the bank of the river/lake/pond shall be created
for Idol Immersion by the concerned ULBs. Temporary artificial tank or pond. In case of immersion of
idols in rivers, lakes or ponds is inevitable, a designated location (having proper approach, access,
corner portion of a river/pond/lake, having shallow depth of water in river or lakes or ponds) should
be identified and safety provision preferably steel or wooden barricades shall be made by concerned
ULBs.
All the flowers, leaves and artificial ornaments of idols should be removed prior to immersion of idols
and only such idols may be immersed in a designated place provided with safety provisions.
Lime or alum or any other equivalent coagulant should be added in designated temporary lined
pond/tank as pre-treatment option for ensuring settling of solids. After completion of immersion,
only supernatant water may be allowed to flow into river/pond/lake, as the case may be, after
checking for colour and turbidity as per BIS specification for Drinking Water IS 10500:2012.
Post immersion, with remains of idols and activities such as desludging of the designated area should
be undertaken and ensured its disposal as per Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 as amended
thereafter, within 24 hours by the concerned ULBs, as per these guidelines.
Guidelines for idol immersion in sea:
In case of Idol immersion in sea, immersion may be done between low tide line (LTL) and high tide
line (HTL) (irrespective of its depth) and only at designated areas identified by the Coastal Zone
Management Authorities in the States/UTs. The low-tide line and high tide lines may be identified
and marked well in advance by the ULBs in consultation with the concerned authorities.
Immersion of Idols in High Tide Line (HTL) & Low Tide Line (LTL) into the sea may be permitted only in
Non-Eco-Sensitive Areas earmarked previously in consultation with all the concerned agencies
approved by Govt. of India for demarcation of HTL, LTL, Eco-sensitive area etc.
4 | P a g e
Concerned authorities in State Govt. /UT Administration dealing with safety & security in coastal
areas shall take care of the necessary arrangements such as Motor Boats with security
personnel/home guards with adequate safety equipment be deployed to supervise idol immersion
activities during festive season.
Guidelines for idol immersion by households:
Individual households should be encouraged to use only eco-friendly idols made of natural clay and
bio-degradable materials as decorative and pooja materials.
As far as possible, immersion of small idols should be done at their homes in eco-friendly manner i.e.,
in a bucket filled with water and idol be kept in immersed state until it dissolves completely. After
settlement of settleable and colloidal solids (if required alum powder or any other equivalent
coagulant may be mixed and stirred vigorously using a stick at least for 30 seconds and thereafter
slow mixing at least for 30 seconds and then allowed to settle), the supernatant liquid may be used
either in gardening or discharged in a drain. Settled mud can be dried and then reused further for
future idol making or may be used in gardening as soil).
In case, individual households intend to perform idol immersions, then idols should be immersed
only in the designated on-land temporary artificial ponds or tanks located nearby or artificial
movable tanks arranged by the ULBs.
Role of state pollution control boards (SPCBS) in states & pollution control committees (PCCS) in
union territories:
Concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) in the State/Pollution Control Committee (PCC) in
the Union Territory Administration should conduct water quality assessment of the water bodies,
preferably in Class-I cities (having population more than one lac), at three stages i.e. Pre-immersion,
during immersion and post-immersion. During post-festival, samples should be collected preferably
after 3 rd, 5 th and 7 th and 9 th day of the festival.
Considering the size of water body, appropriate number of sampling locations may be determined in
order to get a fairly representative assessment of water quality during the afore-said periods.
Sampling should be done at least 100 m away (downstream side in case of flowing water bodies-
rivers) from the immersion site/location to avoid turbulence effect. For ascertaining water quality,
Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, DO, Color, BOD, COD, Conductivity, Turbidity, TDS,
Chloride, TSS, Hardness, Total Alkalinity and Metals (such as Chromium, Lead, Zinc, Copper,
Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, Barium, Cobalt, Manganese, Strontium) may be analyzed. Apart from
the water samples, sediment samples also be collected during pre-immersion, during immersion and
post-immersion and collected sediment samples be analysed for the metals (such as Chromium,
Lead, Zinc, Copper, Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, Barium, Cobalt, Manganese, Strontium)
Detailed reports should be posted on the SPCBs/PCCs website in public domain and also shall be
shared with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Ministry of Jal Shakti
(MoJS) and CPCB, within two months of completion of last sampling conducted for a particular
festival.
SPCBs/PCCs shall help ULBs and District Administration in preparing material for creating mass
awareness purposes as well as to assess innovative approaches for eco-friendly idol making by the
idol makers or craftsman or artisans.
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3.0 Objectives:
The main objectives of water quality monitoring on the occasion of idol immersion during Durga Puja Festival are as follows:
Monitoring the water quality at idol immersion points of i) Haora River at Agartala, ii) Gomati River at Udaipur, iii) Dhalai River at Ambassa and iv) Deo River at Kumarghat during pre-immersion immersion and post-immersion period of the puja event as because large number of Durga idols have been immersed at these points.
To compare the water analysis result against standards value of CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) and to assess the extent of swinging during this festival.
To highlight the condition of this river water after idol immersion with respect to the parameters analyzed.
To find collective significant factor and its collective impacts as to help to the planners to take decision at the earliest possible stage.
To communicate the information gathered to the public for awareness.
4.0 Methods of Measurement:
The water samples were collected from Dashamighat idol immersion sites of Haora River, Gomati River,
Dhalai River & Deo River during pre-immersion, immersion and post-immersion periods of idols
immersion.
The first phase study i.e. before (Pre) puja was made to understand the base line level of metal
concentrations in the river, whereas second phase i.e. during immersion was aimed to establish actual
impact of immersion of images. The post- immersion study was scheduled after one week of immersion
activity, and aimed to correlate the data with previous study. The water samples were collected in well
rinsed and pre-cleaned glass bottles and immediately brought to the laboratory of Tripura State
Pollution Control Board. The analysis of the said water samples have been done in the laboratory of
Tripura State Pollution Control Board using standard methods of APHA (2012).
6 | P a g e
5.0 Monitoring Points: The Sampling locations, frequency of monitoring and different parameters studied are presented in
Table: 1.
Table-1: Sampling locations and frequency of monitoring:
Sl.
No
Location Date of Monitoring Parameters monitored
Pre-
immersion During-
immersion Post-
immersion
1 Dashamighat, River
Haora, Agartala.
19
.10
.20
20
26
.10
.20
20
02
.11
.20
20
pH, Conductivity,
Turbidity, DO, BOD,
Chlorides, Total
Alkalinity, Total
hardness, Calcium,
magnesium, Total
Dissolved Solids, Total
suspended Solids, DO,
Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead,
Chromium (Total), Iron
(Total)
2 Dashamighat, River
Gomati, Agartala.
3 Dashamighat, River
Dhalai, Agartala.
4 Dashamighat, River
Deo, Agartala.
6.0 FINDINGS: The Analytical results of water samples collected from Dashamighat idol immersion site of Haora river
at Agartala, Gomati River at Udaipur, Dhalai River at Kumarghat and Manu River at Kumarghat before,
during and after immersion of Durga idols are shown in the Tables 2-13. The graphical representations
of few important analyzed parameters on pre, during and post immersion period and comparison with
the standards are shown in Figure: 1-5.
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TABLE 2: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM DASHAMIGHAT IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF HAORA RIVER, AGARTALA BEFORE IMMERSION, 2020.
Sl. No.
Parameters S1 S2 S3 Average
value
CPCB Standard for
Surface Water
(Primary water quality criteria)
1.
pH 7.31 7.55 7.48 7.45 8.5
2.
Turbidity(NTU) 48.2 77.2 59.1 61.50 -
3.
Conductivity (μS/cm) 139 177 158 158.00 -
4.
Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 26 28 26 26.67 -
5.
Total dissolved solids(mg/L) 78 120 88 95.33 -
6.
Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 5.84 6.08 5.96 5.96 >5
7.
Bio-Chemical oxygen demand(mg/L) 1.36 2.78 2.62 2.25 <3
8.
Alkalinity(mg/L) 40.36 58.52 43.14 47.34 -
9.
Total Hardness(mg/L) 28.52 39.86 30.66 33.01 -
10. Calcium(mg/L) 8.54 9.82 9.04 9.13 -
11. Magnesium(mg/L) 3.86 4.76 4.14 4.25 -
12. Iron (mg/L) 0.14 0.49 0.22 0.28 -
13. Chloride(mg/L) 22.35 29.59 23.65 25.20 -
14. Chromium(mg/L) BDL 0.008 0.008 0.005 0.05
15. Lead(mg/L) 0.018 0.019 0.019 0.018 0.1
16. Cadmium(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.01
17. Arsenic(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05 BDL: Below Detectable Limit
Site of Collection: S-1: Up stream of Haora River S-2: Dashamighat Idol Immersion site, Haora River S-3: Downstream of Haora River
8 | P a g e
TABLE: 3: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM DASHAMIGHAT IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF HAORA RIVER, AGARTALA DURING IMMERSION, 2020.
Sl. No.
Parameters S1 S2 S3 Average
value
CPCB Standard for
Surface Water
(Primary water quality criteria)
1.
pH 7.39 7.97 7.67 7.68 8.5
2.
Turbidity(NTU) 55.7 108.9 68.7 77.77 -
3.
Conductivity (μS/cm) 145 213 179 179.00 -
4.
Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 26 28 26 26.67 -
5.
Total dissolved solids(mg/L) 86 144 94 108.00 -
6.
Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 5.98 6.88 6.12 6.33 >5
7.
Bio-Chemical oxygen demand(mg/L) 2.42 3.64 2.98 3.01 <3
8.
Alkalinity(mg/L) 43.52 60.36 51.56 51.81 -
9.
Total Hardness(mg/L) 32.56 43.88 34.36 36.93 -
10. Calcium(mg/L) 8.82 10.04 9.36 9.41 -
11. Magnesium(mg/L) 3.98 4.82 4.26 4.35 -
12. Iron (mg/L) 0.15 0.68 0.46 0.43 -
13. Chloride(mg/L) 25.79 38.53 29.63 31.32 -
14. Chromium(mg/L) BDL 0.015 0.011 0.008 0.05
15. Lead(mg/L) 0.018 0.022 0.02 0.02 0.1
16. Cadmium(mg/L) BDL 0.006 0.005 0.003 0.01
17. Arsenic(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05
BDL: Below Detectable Limit
Site of Collection: S-1: Up stream of Haora River S-2: Dashamighat Idol Immersion site, Haora River S-3: Downstream of Haora River
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TABLE: 4: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM DASHAMIGHAT IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF HAORA RIVER, AGARTALA AFTER IMMERSION, 2020.
Sl. No.
Parameters S1 S2 S3 Average
value
CPCB Standard
for Surface Water
(Primary water quality criteria)
1. pH 7.24 8.02 7.85 7.03 8.5
2. Turbidity(NTU) 48.2 73.3 55.9 36.37 -
3. Conductivity (μS/cm) 138 187 162 132.67 -
4. Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 26 28 26 24 -
5. Total dissolved solids(mg/L) 78 110 104 71.33 -
6. Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 5.56 6.28 6.04 5.35 >5
7. Bio-Chemical oxygen demand(mg/L)
2.32 3.96 3.54 3.27 <3
8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 40.56 57.82 48.36 48.24 -
9. Total Hardness(mg/L) 34.86 40.26 31.32 35.87 -
10. Calcium(mg/L) 8.08 9.88 8.52 8.09 -
11. Magnesium(mg/L) 3.46 4.18 4.02 3.88 -
12. Iron (mg/L) 0.12 0.69 0.37 0.53 -
13. Chloride(mg/L) 22.53 31.39 28.63 19.48 -
14. Chromium(mg/L) BDL 0.014 0.01 0.008 0.05
15. Lead(mg/L) 0.011 0.018 0.015 0.014 0.1
16. Cadmium(mg/L) BDL 0.005 BDL BDL 0.01
17. Arsenic(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05
BDL: Below Detectable Limit Site of Collection: S-1: Up stream of Haora River S-2: Dashamighat Idol Immersion site, Haora River S-3: Downstream of Haora River
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TABLE: 5: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF GOMATI RIVER, UDAIPUR BEFORE IDOL IMMERSION 2020.
Sl. No.
Parameters S1 S2 S3 Average
value
CPCB Standard
for Surface Water
(Primary water quality criteria)
1. pH 6.65 6.92 6.77 6.78 8.5
2. Turbidity(NTU) 45.9 59.3 66.2 57.13 -
3. Conductivity (μS/cm) 108 122 119 116.33 -
4. Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 18 22 22 20.67 -
5. Total dissolved solids(mg/L) 58 74 70 67.33 -
6. Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 5.88 6.12 6.02 6.01 >5
7. Bio-Chemical oxygen demand(mg/L)
0.88 1.58 1.26 1.24
<3
8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 39.52 42.36 40.58 40.82 -
9. Total Hardness(mg/L) 30.74 32.52 32.08 31.78 -
10. Calcium(mg/L) 7.68 7.96 7.68 7.77 -
11. Magnesium(mg/L) 3.24 3.46 3.28 3.33 -
12. Iron (mg/L) 0.08 0.11 0.09 0.09 -
13. Chloride(mg/L) 17.53 22.37 19.53 19.81 -
14. Chromium(mg/L) BDL 0.009 BDL 0.003 0.05
15. Lead(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.1
16. Cadmium(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.01
17. Arsenic(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05
BDL: Below Detectable Limit Site of Collection: S1: Up Stream of Gomati River. S2: Idol Immersion Site, Gomati River S3: Downstream of Gomati river.
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TABLE: 6: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF GOMATI RIVER, UDAIPUR DURING IDOL IMMERSION 2020.
Sl. No.
Parameters S1 S2 S3 Average
value
CPCB Standard
for Surface Water
(Primary water quality criteria)
1. pH 6.71 7.19 6.93 6.94 8.5
2. Turbidity(NTU) 48.6 77.8 59.3 61.90 -
3. Conductivity (μS/cm) 112 147 133 130.67 -
4. Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 20 22 22 21.33 -
5. Total dissolved solids(mg/L) 62 88 80 76.67 -
6. Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 5.94 6.86 6.28 6.36 >5
7. Bio-Chemical oxygen demand(mg/L)
0.94 1.94 1.58 1.49
<3
8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 41.36 50.66 43.52 45.18 -
9. Total Hardness(mg/L) 32.08 38.64 35.28 35.33 -
10. Calcium(mg/L) 7.94 8.56 8.02 8.17 -
11. Magnesium(mg/L) 3.56 3.92 3.66 3.71 -
12. Iron (mg/L) 0.1 0.18 0.12 0.13 -
13. Chloride(mg/L) 19.55 27.39 25.53 24.16 -
14. Chromium(mg/L) BDL 0.012 0.008 0.006 0.05
15. Lead(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.1
16. Cadmium(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.01
17. Arsenic(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05
BDL: Below Detectable Limit Site of Collection: S1: Up Stream of Gomati River. S2: Idol Immersion Site, Gomati River S3: Downstream of Gomati river.
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TABLE: 7: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF GOMATI RIVER, UDAIPUR AFTER IDOL IMMERSION 2020.
Sl. No.
Parameters S1 S2 S3 Average
value
CPCB Standard
for Surface Water
(Primary water quality criteria)
1. pH 6.50 7.49 7.11 7.03 8.5
2. Turbidity(NTU) 45.2 68.7 55.2 56.37 -
3. Conductivity (μS/cm) 108 187 152 149.00 -
4. Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 20 38 28 28.67 -
5. Total dissolved solids(mg/L) 58 128 94 93.33 -
6. Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 5.46 6.28 6.06 5.93 >5
7. Bio-Chemical oxygen demand(mg/L)
0.84 2.08 1.92 1.61
<3
8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 38.52 52.08 49.56 46.72 -
9. Total Hardness(mg/L) 34.14 39.86 36.52 36.84 -
10. Calcium(mg/L) 7.88 8.78 8.22 8.29 -
11. Magnesium(mg/L) 3.36 4.02 3.94 3.77 -
12. Iron (mg/L) 0.08 0.25 0.18 0.17 -
13. Chloride(mg/L) 18.37 29.53 28.37 25.42 -
14. Chromium(mg/L) BDL 0.015 0.011 0.008 0.05
15. Lead(mg/L) BDL 0.006 0.006 0.004 0.1
16. Cadmium(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.01
17. Arsenic(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05
BDL: Below Detectable Limit Site of Collection: S1: Up Stream of Gomati River. S2: Idol Immersion Site, Gomati River S3: Downstream of Gomati river.
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TABLE: 8: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF DEO RIVER, KUMARGHAT BEFORE IDOL IMMERSION 2020.
Sl. No.
Parameters S1 S2 S3 Average
value
CPCB Standard
for Surface Water
(Primary water quality criteria)
1. pH 7.39 7.55 7.02 7.32 8.5
2. Turbidity(NTU) 32.7 42.9 45.8 40.47 -
3. Conductivity (μS/cm) 155 167 158 160.00 -
4. Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 32 38 36 35.33 -
5. Total dissolved solids(mg/L) 96 108 102 102.00 -
6. Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 6.12 6.06 5.94 6.04 >5
7. Bio-Chemical oxygen demand(mg/L)
0.82 1.08 0.98 0.96
<3
8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 27.52 32.04 30.56 30.04 -
9. Total Hardness(mg/L) 24.56 27.34 26.28 26.06 -
10. Calcium(mg/L) 8.14 8.58 8.18 8.30 -
11. Magnesium(mg/L) 3.76 4.02 3.98 3.92 -
12. Iron (mg/L) 0.06 0.09 0.09 0.08 -
13. Chloride(mg/L) 21.57 27.39 25.73 24.90 -
14. Chromium(mg/L) BDL 0.006 0.006 0.004 0.05
15. Lead(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.1
16. Cadmium(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.01
17. Arsenic(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05
BDL: Below Detectable Limit Site of Collection: S1: Up Stream of Deo River. S2: Idol Immersion Site, Deo River S3: Downstream of Deo river.
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TABLE: 9: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF DEO RIVER, KUMARGHAT DURING IDOL IMMERSION 2020.
Sl. No.
Parameters S1 S2 S3 Average
value
CPCB Standard
for Surface Water
(Primary water quality criteria)
1. pH 7.22 7.78 7.15 7.38 8.5
2. Turbidity(NTU) 35.7 66.8 57.9 53.47 -
3. Conductivity (μS/cm) 142 183 167 164 -
4. Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 32 46 38 38.67 -
5. Total dissolved solids(mg/L) 88 132 118 112.67 -
6. Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 6.04 6.28 6.14 6.15 >5
7. Bio-Chemical oxygen demand(mg/L)
1.02 1.26 1.08 1.12
<3
8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 29.54 38.36 31.52 33.14 -
9. Total Hardness(mg/L) 22.78 31.62 29.56 27.99 -
10. Calcium(mg/L) 7.88 8.94 8.82 8.55 -
11. Magnesium(mg/L) 3.52 3.88 3.62 3.67 -
12. Iron (mg/L) 0.05 0.12 0.1 0.09 -
13. Chloride(mg/L) 22.57 28.75 26.39 25.90 -
14. Chromium(mg/L) BDL 0.008 0.006 0.004 0.05
15. Lead(mg/L) BDL 0.008 BDL BDL 0.1
16. Cadmium(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.01
17. Arsenic(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05
BDL: Below Detectable Limit Site of Collection: S1: Up Stream of Deo River. S2: Idol Immersion Site, Deo River S3: Downstream of Deo river
15 | P a g e
TABLE: 10: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF DEO RIVER, KUMARGHAT AFTER IDOL IMMERSION 2020.
BDL: Below Detectable Limit Site of Collection: S1: Up Stream of Deo River. S2: Idol Immersion Site, Deo River S3: Downstream of Deo river
Sl. No.
Parameters S1 S2 S3 Average
value
CPCB Standard
for Surface Water
(Primary water quality criteria)
1. pH 7.05 7.89 7.57 7.50 8.5
2. Turbidity(NTU) 38.2 71.9 62.8 57.63 -
3. Conductivity (μS/cm) 133 196 188 172.33 -
4. Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 32 48 46 42.00 -
5. Total dissolved solids(mg/L) 84 138 128 116.67 -
6. Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 5.54 6.08 5.26 5.63 >5
7. Bio-Chemical oxygen demand(mg/L)
0.98 1.54 1.24 1.25
<3
8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 25.36 32.94 29.88 29.39 -
9. Total Hardness(mg/L) 20.56 34.86 31.28 28.90 -
10. Calcium(mg/L) 7.14 9.12 8.98 8.41 -
11. Magnesium(mg/L) 3.12 3.94 3.78 3.61 -
12. Iron (mg/L) 0.06 0.19 0.14 0.13 -
13. Chloride(mg/L) 24.83 31.57 30.69 29.03 -
14. Chromium(mg/L) BDL 0.011 0.008 0.006 0.05
15. Lead(mg/L) BDL 0.011 0.008 0.006 0.1
16. Cadmium(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.01
17. Arsenic(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05
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Table: 11: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF DHALAI RIVER, AMBASSA BEFORE IDOL IMMERSION 2020.
Sl. No.
Parameters S1 S2 S3 Average
value
CPCB Standard
for Surface Water
(Primary water quality criteria)
1. pH 6.97 7.12 7.15 7.08 8.5
2. Turbidity(NTU) 55.7 81.3 78.5 71.83 -
3. Conductivity (μS/cm) 127 155 159 147.00 -
4. Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 20 24 22 22.00 -
5. Total dissolved solids(mg/L) 78 90 94 87.33 -
6. Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 5.64 5.98 5.82 5.81 >5
7. Bio-Chemical oxygen demand(mg/L)
1.14 1.68 1.74 1.52
<3
8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 37.52 40.56 43.78 40.62 -
9. Total Hardness(mg/L) 32.56 38.26 35.28 35.37 -
10. Calcium(mg/L) 8.14 9.86 9.58 9.19 -
11. Magnesium(mg/L) 4.14 4.88 4.12 4.38 -
12. Iron (mg/L) 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.16 -
13. Chloride(mg/L) 14.39 17.35 17.87 16.54 -
14. Chromium(mg/L) 0.008 0.011 0.011 0.01 0.05
15. Lead(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.1
16. Cadmium(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.01
17. Arsenic(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05
BDL: Below Detectable Limit Site of Collection: S1: Up Stream of Dhalai River. S2: Idol Immersion Site, Dhalai River S3: Downstream of Dhalai river.
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TABLE: 12: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF DHALAI RIVER, AMBASSA DURING IDOL IMMERSION 2020.
Sl. No.
Parameters S1 S2 S3 Average
value
CPCB Standard
for Surface Water
(Primary water quality criteria)
1. pH 7.13 7.35 7.44 7.31 8.5
2. Turbidity(NTU) 60.1 111.7 106 92.6 -
3. Conductivity (μS/cm) 135 174 174 161 -
4. Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 20 24 22 22 -
5. Total dissolved solids(mg/L) 84 118 112 104.67 -
6. Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 5.84 6.12 6.02 5.99 >5
7. Bio-Chemical oxygen demand(mg/L)
1.08 1.88 1.84 1.60
<3
8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 40.36 45.88 48.36 44.87 -
9. Total Hardness(mg/L) 33.74 40.08 38.96 37.59 -
10. Calcium(mg/L) 8.28 9.94 9.78 9.33 -
11. Magnesium(mg/L) 4.28 4.94 4.46 4.56 -
12. Iron (mg/L) 0.17 0.19 0.19 0.18 -
13. Chloride(mg/L) 15.37 23.71 23.79 20.96 -
14. Chromium(mg/L) 0.01 0.018 0.015 0.014 0.05
15. Lead(mg/L) BDL 0.009 0.007 0.005 0.1
16. Cadmium(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.01
17. Arsenic(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05
BDL: Below Detectable Limit Site of Collection: S1: Up Stream of Dhalai River. S2: Idol Immersion Site, Dhalai River S3: Downstream of Dhalai river.
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Table: 13: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF DHALAI RIVER, AMBASSA AFTER IDOL IMMERSION 2020.
Sl. No.
Parameters S1 S2 S3 Average
value
CPCB Standard for
Surface Water
(Primary water quality criteria)
1. pH 7.19 7.48 7.59 7.42 8.5
2. Turbidity(NTU) 55.2 101 102 86.07 -
3. Conductivity (μS/cm) 112 157 169 146.00 -
4. Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 20 24 22 22.00 -
5. Total dissolved solids(mg/L) 78 108 118 101.33 -
6. Dissolved oxygen(mg/L) 5.78 6.04 6.18 6.00 >5
7. Bio-Chemical oxygen demand(mg/L)
1.02 2.22 2.06 1.77
<3
8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 38.52 41.36 44.28 41.39 -
9. Total Hardness(mg/L) 34.78 39.56 39.02 37.79 -
10. Calcium(mg/L) 8.74 9.12 9.56 9.14 -
11. Magnesium(mg/L) 4.02 4.98 4.58 4.53 -
12. Iron (mg/L) 0.15 0.21 0.22 0.19 -
13. Chloride(mg/L) 14.79 25.39 26.79 22.32 -
14. Chromium(mg/L) 0.011 0.019 0.019 0.016 0.05
15. Lead(mg/L) BDL 0.006 0.005 0.003 0.1
16. Cadmium(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.01
17. Arsenic(mg/L) BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05
BDL: Below Detectable Limit Site of Collection: S1: Up Stream of Dhalai River. S2: Idol Immersion Site, Dhalai River S3: Downstream of Dhalai river.
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7.0 OBSERVATIONS:
From the table (1-12), it is observed that, the average values of trace and heavy metals such as Iron,
Calcium, Magnesium, Chromium, Lead and Cadmium for all the water samples collected before, during
and after idol immersion on the occasion of Durga Puja Festival were within the prescribed standards of
CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). The Value of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) for water
samples collected during and after immersion was slightly higher than the water samples collected
before the immersion at Dashamai Ghat of Haorah River. This insignificant increase of BOD may be due
to throwing of flowers, banana leaves and other related puja materials into the water of idol immersion
areas.
8.0 CONCLUSIONS:
Assessment of Water Quality of rivers in the pre, during and post immersion of Idols revealed that:
i) All the parameters specified for the study remained within the tolerance limit for designated
class of the river i.e. Class-B (Outdoor Bathing) even after immersion of idols except BOD in
Dashamighat idol immersion point of Haora River.
ii) During idol immersion, the organic pollutant such as BOD is overall increased due to human
influence and puja ingredients on the occasion Durga puja festival. In Dashamighat idol
immersion Point of Haora River, the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) did not meet the
primary water quality criteria of CPCB during and after immersion time.
iii) Concentration of few heavy and tracer metals increased slightly in almost all the sampling
locations due to immersion of Durga idols but found within the prescribed standard limits of
CPCB. So no significant impact is exerted due to heavy metal concentration on the water quality
of rivers during immersion of idols.
iv) The present study also reflects that no plaster of Paris have been used in making idols
throughout the State of Tripura.
9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS :
To make the water bodies free of pollution, the following recommendations are made prior or during
immersion of idols during festival occasions:
1. No Puja Committee or organizations or individual like - idol maker/painter etc. shall use Plaster
of Paris for making idol.
2. No Puja Committee or organizations or individual shall use Synthetic/Plastic Colour for painting
of idols and other decoration purpose including the puja pandal in any festival.
3. Sub-Divisional Magistrate shall constitute a co-ordination Committee under his/her
chairmanship comprising the members from Police, Non Government Organizations, Local
Authorities, representative of puja committees, stakeholders etc. for effective monitoring and
control of pollution in his or her jurisdiction. He/ she may be co-opt any other official/individual
as he/ she deemed fit.
22 | P a g e
4. Non-biodegradable items are strictly prohibited for making idols and pandal decoration in any
festival.
5. All Puja Committees or individual or organizations shall submit a declaration before the
respective Local Bodies like Municipal Corporation, Municipalities and Panchayats as the case
may be, specifying that in the making of idols and raising super structure; -
i) No Plaster of Paris (POP) shall be used.
ii) No synthetic paint or colour containing toxic heavy metals like mercury, cadmium,
arsenic, lead and chromium shall be used.
iii) The height of idol shall be limited to 20 ft.
iv) The height of the super structure shall be limited to 40 ft.
6. Both of the local bodies and Tripura State Pollution Control Board shall make surprise inspection
and impose penalty/prohibition from organizing festival in future, either temporarily or
permanently as per rules in case of any violation detected.
7. The biodegradable materials should be removed after immersion and the concerned local
bodies/organization/NGO or any individual may use these materials for composting and other
useful purpose.
8. The biodegradable wastes/materials like flowers, leaves, fruits, coconut etc. generated from
temple everyday should not be allowed to dispose of to water bodies. Disposal of such
biodegradable wastes to water bodies will invite penalty to be imposed by the local authorities
on the temple committee.
9. Local Bodies like Municipal Corporation, Municipalities, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat,
Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad as the case may be specifying that in making of idols and raising
super structure shall be permissible in accordance with the above directions. They shall be
responsible to submit the copies of all declaration received in this regard to the Tripura State
Pollution Control Board. They shall be responsible for disposal of the wastes as per CPCB
guidelines dated 18.06.2010 & other related rules existing in this regard.
10. Temporary ponds having earthen bunds along river bank should be created as idol immersion
spots.
11. Effective implementation of the Guideline for immersion of idols issued by the Department of
Science, Technology & Environment, Government of Tripura vide Notification No.F.l1
(78)/DBTE/ENV/Pt-I/12 - 40 Dated 02 /01/2018.
12. The Guidelines dated 18.06.2010 framed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding
Idol Immersion and subsequent amended guidelines as issued from time to time in this regard
shall strictly be applicable for protection of ecology and environment in the State.
13. Public awareness shall be given more thrust on the ill-impacts of idol immersion and
implementation of the Guidelines.
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