Dinesh Nayak N / Times News Network

KSPCB Survey:

• Immersion of painted idols shows 20-80% survival of aquatic animals in that water. 
• Water samples show heavy presence of copper, lead, iron & magnesium, much above the normal limit prescribed for potable water.
• Lake water has chromium, lead, zinc and nickel, the potential causes of cancer.

Mangalore, Aug 27: Beware! This year’s Ganesha Chaturti may be hazardous to health. The idols of Lord Ganesha have undergone a tremendous change over the years with the paint used for idols becoming toxic.

Some 30-40 years ago, the paints were made of herbal mix. So, when the idols were immersed in water, it had a purifying effect. But today, the idols only increase the pollution level in the water. The troubleshooter God Vighna Vinashaka could add to the existing health problems.

The chemical dyes and colours used for painting the clay idols have poisonous contents. A survey conducted by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to know the effect of paint on aquatic life showed 100 per cent survival of fish in water samples where unpainted idols were immersed and only 20-80% survival in water samples where painted idols were immersed. Further, analysis of the water sample collected during the festival period indicate the presence of heavy metals such as copper, lead, iron, and magnesium and calcium exceeding the limits prescribed for potable water.

Also, the analysis of 46 sludge samples that were collected from 16 different lakes indicate the presence of chromium, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, iron, cadmium and manganese, the potential causes of cancer.

The pollution control board authorities are wary of the increasing number of idols being immersed every year.

The practice of immersing these idols in open wells is common in the region and it is said to be a major cause for health problems.

District environment officer Ramesh Kumar said he was not aware of this tradition in the region and he would test the well water used for idol immersion and take note of the violation of the KSPCB guidelines.

As far as immersion goes, it is interesting to note that not long ago there were two kinds of idols. One, the white idol on which lime was applied and another red idol painted with red oxide, both considered eco-friendly.
Kateel Govind Pai said traditionally a liquid prepared from herbs and vegetation was used as paint. In the coastal region, lime and herbs which were used to make the idols were used for cleaning wells too. Even to this day, people pour lime and burned coconut shells to clean contaminated water. It is high time people consider safe paints for Ganesha idols, both in the interest of their health and environment.