As Hyderabad gears up for the Ganesh festival, environmental concerns are mounting over the persistent pollution of the city’s lakes caused by the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. Despite a legal ban on such practices, the use of PoP idols continues unabated, raising alarms among environmentalists and citizens alike.
Hyderabad, home to more than 25 designated lakes for idol immersion, witnesses an alarming rise in water pollution levels every year post-festival. In addition to these main water bodies, numerous smaller ponds are also used for immersions, further exacerbating the environmental impact. Data from the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TPCB) reveals that less than 40% of the idols are immersed in the designated ponds, with the majority being directly immersed in the city’s lakes, leading to severe ecological degradation.
Prominent lakes such as Hussainsagar, Kapra, Malkam Cheruvu, Durgam Cheruvu, Pedda Cheruvu, and Gopi Cheruvu are particularly affected. These water bodies have experienced a sharp increase in pollution over the past three years, largely due to the immersion of PoP idols. Plaster of Paris is a major pollutant, primarily because it does not dissolve in water and releases harmful chemicals and heavy metals like lead, barium, and cadmium into the lakes. Hussainsagar Lake, one of the most popular sites for immersions, has seen its Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels plummet to as low as 1.5 mg/l, significantly below the World Health Organisation’s recommended level of 10 mg/l for healthy aquatic life. The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels in the lake have been recorded at an alarming average of 40 mg/l, double the recommended threshold of 20 mg/l. Even more concerning is the lake’s Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels, which post-immersion soar above 200 mg/l, making the water quality comparable to untreated wastewater.
These elevated pollution levels have dire consequences for the local ecosystem, leading to fish kills, loss of biodiversity, and long-term damage to the water quality, which in turn affects human health and the availability of clean water resources. Environmentalists argue that unless there is a strict enforcement of the ban on PoP idols, the ecological balance of these lakes will continue to deteriorate. Green activists have been vocal in their demands for a shift towards eco-friendly alternatives such as clay idols, which dissolve naturally without leaving harmful residues. “The use of PoP idols not only violates environmental laws but also endangers the health of the local population and aquatic life,” said an environmentalist involved in lake conservation efforts. They emphasise that clay idols, painted with natural dyes, would significantly mitigate the environmental impact and promote a sustainable celebration of the festival.
The continued disregard for the court’s ruling against PoP idol immersions underscores the need for stronger regulatory action and greater public awareness. The TPCB, in collaboration with local authorities, has been urged to implement stricter penalties and provide more accessible alternatives to ensure compliance with environmental norms. As the Ganesh festival approaches, the focus must shift to sustainable practices that honour both cultural traditions and environmental responsibilities. Only through collective action can Hyderabad’s lakes be preserved for future generations, maintaining their ecological integrity and ensuring the health and wellbeing of the city’s residents.
