Eco-Ganesha
Why is this important?
Every year millions of Ganeshas fill our lakes causing toxic pollution and silt that diminishes the capacity of the lake while poisioning the water and soil. In 2017 as per BBMP records, 10% of the ganeshas immersed in the tanks across the city were POP Ganeshas.
The only paints that work on PoP are oil paints which are high in poisonous chemicals and heavy metals which affects the acquatic ecosystem due to decrease in the oxygen level of water. Studies on before and after immersion water quality show a disturbing rise in concentration of hazardous heavy metals like lead, mercury and cadmium post immersion.
This water if used for agriculture gets into human body through fruits and vegetables, these metal bioaccumulate and biomagnify in human body causing hypertention, anaemia, Minamata( mercury poisoning ) etc.
A study conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in Bengaluru revealed that post immersion, acid content and dissolved solid content in the water rose significantly. Presence of heavy metals like iron increased 10 times, while the presence of copper in sediments increased by 200 to 300 times.
What can you do about it?
Tell us how you are #ABetterBangalorean
1. If you are conducting workshops on making clay Ganeshas tell us in the calendar below where and when you are doing it. It might help a lot of people go green and save our lakes.
2. Help us mark the vendors who are selling eco-friendly Ganeshas so others can make the right choice.
3. If you went green by using a clay ganesha with no paints tell everyone how you are contributing to a better planet by being #ABetterBangalorean.
4. If you wish to volunteer to count the number of clay & POP Ganeshas during immersion at a nearby lake write to us at contact@cifos.com