The materials used to make some Ganesh idols may be toxic!

Plaster of paris contains gypsum, sulphur, phosphorus and magnesium. Chemical paints contain mercury, cadmium, lead and carbon.

Immersion of these can poison the waters of lakes, rivers and the sea by increasing acidity increasing solid matter increasing organic matter increasing content of heavy metals.

Such pollution damages the ecosystem by killing the fishes damaging the plants, blocking the natural flow of the water and causing stagnation. It damages health by polluting drinking water sources causing breathing problems, blood diseases and skin diseases

The alternative

• Do a symbolic immersion
• Use a small unpainted idol made of unbaked clay if you immerse the idol
• Immerse the idol in a tub or a water tank
• Collect the flowers and nirmalya and compost them