Devotees carry an idol of Hindu goddess Durga prior to immersion in Kolkata. (Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)A 15-point directive from the Centre is being circulated among states telling them to ensure that the Ganga river as well as its tributaries do not get polluted during the festive season, and that they have to particularly prevent idol immersions, which is being completely banned, reports PTI.
Anyone found guilty immersing an idol in the Ganga or any one of its tributaries will be slapped with a Rs 50,000 fine. says the directive which comes straight from the Director General of National Mission for Clean Ganga, Rajiv Ranjan Mishra.
State government authorities will also be required to submit action-taken reports within a seven day window following each major festival like Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Chath Puja, etc.
To ensure that the idol immersion directive can be strictly implemented, orders have been issued for river banks and ghats to be cordoned off by the authorities during the festive season.
However, in light of the needs of devotees, the directive also comes upon state governments to be ready with adequate alternate arrangements for idol immersions, such as building temporary confined ponds which will be equipped with synthetic liners on the inside for easier cleanup.
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