Every year, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great devotion in Goa. Ganesh idols are immersed on the second, fifth, seventh or 11th day, depending on the wishes of devotees. Immersion takes place at the sea or in lakes. In Vasco, Vaddem Lake is traditionally used for idol immersion. However, the lake is polluted with garbage and waste and is not in a suitable condition for religious rituals. Authorities should undertake a special cleaning drive at all lakes and water bodies used for idol immersion before the festival. Such measures will help devotees perform rituals in a clean environment. Plaster of Paris idols, which do not dissolve easily, should also be prohibited in lakes. Authorities should encourage eco-friendly idols to protect water bodies.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
