DPCC resets idol height for immersion during the festivals to 5ft

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has modified its previous direction which permitted the immersion of idols taller than five feet in the designated artificial ponds, restricting the maximum length to five feet only. In a bid to reduce pollution load in the Yamuna, it had also asked puja organisers to immerse idols in artificial ponds created at 128 sites across Delhi.

The committee held discussions with puja samitis and urged various forums to reconsider the size of the idols which could be immersed in the designated 128 spots across the city. A committee headed by the DPCC, director, Environment division, examined the issue at a meeting on August 22.  “Taking into consideration the submission of puja samitis that five-feet height would restrict the glimpse of Maa Durga during large gatherings, the panel recommended an increase in the size of idols for immersion, provided all other directions are complied with rigorously,” the DPCC said.

“For the idol of size more than 5 feet, the puja samitis concerned have to ensure that all pollution norms are strictly adhered to and its immersion is done in designated artificial ponds suitable for such size in consultation with and under overall supervision of the district magistrate concerned,” the committee said.