study team - tspcb.tripura.gov.in

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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjW36rG46XJAhVJJZQKHQ78DEEQFggcMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bis.org.in%2F&usg=AFQjCNEzh2cdyBNAczIhtbkLontZj1bA0g&sig2=DCN16kYd_74oc7ww23P9rQ

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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)


Gomati, Agartala.


Dhalai, Agartala.


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

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TABLE: 3: ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM DASHAMIGHAT IDOL IMMERSION SITE OF HAORA RIVER, AGARTALA DURING IMMERSION, 2020.

Sl. No.


value

CPCB Standard for

Surface Water


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.


value

CPCB Standard

for Surface Water


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


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.


value

CPCB Standard

for Surface Water


1. pH 6.65 6.92 6.77 6.78 8.5

2. Turbidity(NTU) 45.9 59.3 66.2 57.13 -


4. Total Suspended solids (mg/L) 18 22 22 20.67 -




0.88 1.58 1.26 1.24

<3

8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 39.52 42.36 40.58 40.82 -


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



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.


value

CPCB Standard

for Surface Water


1. pH 6.71 7.19 6.93 6.94 8.5

2. Turbidity(NTU) 48.6 77.8 59.3 61.90 -






0.94 1.94 1.58 1.49

<3

8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 41.36 50.66 43.52 45.18 -


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





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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.


value

CPCB Standard

for Surface Water


1. pH 6.50 7.49 7.11 7.03 8.5

2. Turbidity(NTU) 45.2 68.7 55.2 56.37 -






0.84 2.08 1.92 1.61

<3

8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 38.52 52.08 49.56 46.72 -


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




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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.


value

CPCB Standard

for Surface Water


1. pH 7.39 7.55 7.02 7.32 8.5

2. Turbidity(NTU) 32.7 42.9 45.8 40.47 -






0.82 1.08 0.98 0.96

<3

8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 27.52 32.04 30.56 30.04 -


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




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.


value

CPCB Standard

for Surface Water


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 -





1.02 1.26 1.08 1.12

<3

8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 29.54 38.36 31.52 33.14 -


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



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: 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.


value

CPCB Standard

for Surface Water


1. pH 7.05 7.89 7.57 7.50 8.5

2. Turbidity(NTU) 38.2 71.9 62.8 57.63 -






0.98 1.54 1.24 1.25

<3

8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 25.36 32.94 29.88 29.39 -


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



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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.


value

CPCB Standard

for Surface Water


1. pH 6.97 7.12 7.15 7.08 8.5

2. Turbidity(NTU) 55.7 81.3 78.5 71.83 -






1.14 1.68 1.74 1.52

<3

8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 37.52 40.56 43.78 40.62 -


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




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.


value

CPCB Standard

for Surface Water


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 -




1.08 1.88 1.84 1.60

<3

8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 40.36 45.88 48.36 44.87 -


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




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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.


value

CPCB Standard for

Surface Water


1. pH 7.19 7.48 7.59 7.42 8.5

2. Turbidity(NTU) 55.2 101 102 86.07 -






1.02 2.22 2.06 1.77

<3

8. Alkalinity(mg/L) 38.52 41.36 44.28 41.39 -


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




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Figure-1

Figure-2

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Figure-3

Figure-4

Figure-5

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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.

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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.

study team - tspcb.tripura.gov.in

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