The Itanagar Municipal Corporation’s (IMC) initiative to dig a large artificial pond at the Nyokum ground in Jullang to serve as a designated site for the immersion of idols is a welcome move. Every year during Durga puja and Biswarkarma Puja, immersion of idols in the various rivers of the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) becomes a matter of serious concern. The immersion of idols massively pollutes the rivers, and for years environmentalists across India have been opposing it. The IMC’s initiative can be a model for the rest of the states to follow.
Immersion of idols during various Hindu festivals is done across the state. Therefore, the other district administrations should follow the initiative of the IMC and take the same path. The DA should identify an area, dig a pond, and carry out idol immersion without polluting the rivers. Later, the idols can be properly disposed of by respecting the religious and cultural sentiments. One should also understand that apart from polluting the rivers, idol immersion in the rivers also has the potential to cause conflict. Most of the land in the state, including the nearby rivers, has owners and this might cause conflict between devotees and the landowners. Therefore it is best to immerse them in a safe place under the guidance of the district administration, in the presence of the security personnel.