R. RAJAMANICKAM AND S. NAGAN
Abstract
Ganesh Chaturthi, known as Vinayagar Chaturthi in Tamil Nadu, is a prominent Hindu festival observed across India, typically during the months of August and September. Traditionally, clay idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in homes and public spaces for worship and subsequently immersed in nearby water bodies. However, in recent years, many idols have been crafted using non-biodegradable materials like plaster of Paris and thermocol, and adorned with synthetic paints. The immersion of such idols has led to contamination of water bodies, adversely affecting aquatic ecosystems. To mitigate this environmental impact, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued comprehensive guidelines for the manufacture and immersion of idols and mandated State Pollution Control Boards to monitor water quality before, during, and after immersion events. District Administrations designate specific water bodies for this purpose. In Tamil Nadu, the State Pollution Control Board undertakes water quality monitoring and publishing the reports. Water Quality Index (WQI), a dimensionless scale ranging from 0 to 100, is used to assess water quality by consolidating various parameters. These values are interpreted using classification categories such as excellent, good, fair, poor, and highly polluted, based on Indian Standard IS 10500:2012, CPCB norms, and international benchmarks like those of the World Health Organization and the European Commission. This study evaluates the water quality of the water bodies by means of WQI in nine selected districts of Tamil Nadu, wherein idols were immersed during the 2024 Vinayagar Chaturthi festival. The results indicate that idol immersion activities have led to noticeable degradation of water quality, with most sites falling under the Fair/Poor category. The findings underscore the need for greater public awareness on the use of eco-friendly materials and strict adherence to CPCB guidelines and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, for idol immersion and disposal of decorative waste materials.