People across the country are busy with the preparations to celebrate the festival. Celebrating this festival in an eco-friendly way and without causing any damage to the environment is the need of the hour.
The most serious impact of this festival on the environment is due to the immersion of Ganesh idols in lakes, rivers and the sea. There is already much awareness and campaign on using Ganesh idols made of clay. The clay idols dissolve within hours of immersion in water and have no negative effect on the environment. The Goa government has already banned the sale of idols made of Plaster of Paris and everyone should ensure that they buy idols made of clay only.
There is also an urgent need for people to understand the harmful effects of bursting fire crackers. Bursting of crackers releases gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. This Chaturthi, let us all pledge to adopt eco-friendly ways of celebrating the festival and without causing any harm to the environment.
Rohith Shetty, Bambolim
