Durga puja immersion in Howrah leaves the waters polluted

The west bank of Hooghly has suffered large scale pollution because of immersion of Durga idols - this is in spite of the best efforts of the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC). In comparison, the ghats in Kolkata where teams of people were ready at hand to pull out the remains and lug them away by cranes.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated 17 October 2016.

There were lumps of clay and straw floating in the water near Shibpur Ghat apart from thermocol and other materials used in the construction of the idols. Large bamboo structures, some with parts of the idol stuck to them, were also lying near the jetty as well as along the banks of the river and even beneath anchored vessels. Unlike the ghats in Calcutta, the ghats in Howrah did not have cranes to pull out the idols immediately after immersion. The Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) had employed a few laborers and underage boys to pull out the structures from the river and it failed to give the desired result.
HMC Mayor has assured that all ghats will be cleaned and all debris will be removed within 24 hours of immersion.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


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Red Road in Kokata to witness 55 Durga Puja procession enroute to immersion

Red Road in Kolkata had, till now, been the venue for holding gala parades on Republic Day and Independence Day. It has always been close to chief minister Mamata Banerjee's heart. She had held her second swearing-in ceremony here. And, now, the people of the city can watch processions of 55 big Durga Pujas as the idols are taken for immersion in the River Ganges. It will be the Bishwa Bangla carnival
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 13 October 2016.

The arrangements on Red Road and its adjacent areas will lead to all connecting roads being out of bound for traffic as 55 of the best Puja committees march towards Red Road for the gala show. Each puja can have four tableaux, including a miniature pandal where they hosted Ma Durga for the past few days.
Thee are clear indication of a total collapse of traffic on Friday. However, the extended holiday will that has been declared could come to their rescue.
The idea of holding this mega show under Biswa Banga branding is expected to be sold globally through internet next year to draw international tourists.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


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