The idol at the pandal in Chittaranjan Park was made of bamboo sticks, straw, water-soluble paint.
In South Delhi's Chittaranjan Park, the Durga Puja celebrations which ended on Tuesday with the immersion of Goddess Durga's idols, was green all the way.
The residents bid farewell to Goddess Durga with the sound of
dhak (drumbeats) and the traditional
Dhunuchi dance, all the fanfare but in an eco-friendly manner. The idol at the pandal was made of bamboo sticks, straw, water-soluble paint which was immersed into a pit instead of traditional ghats in Delhi.
A four-feet deep and 20 feet long pit was dug up in a park. It was lined with plastic and filled one-quarter way with water. The sizes of the idols were also reduced this year to ensure it fits into the pit that will double up as a compost site and a water harvesting project.
After the idols dissolve, the plastic will be removed and the pit will be used as a compost site. The bamboo frame will be extracted from the pit and returned to the idol artist for recycling next year.
Speaking to NDTV, General Secretary of the Puja Committee Tamal Rakshit said, "We faced problems conceptualizing this entire idea but we were determined to host a pollution-free and eco-friendly festival."
Every year after the Durga Puja festivities conclude, it leaves water bodies across the country more polluted with idols immersions.