Letter sent by Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad to Mumbai Mayor
Mumbai : ‘Every year, an artificial water tank is erected in the premises of Mayor’s bungalow during Ganesh Festival and citizens are requested to use it for immersion of Shri Ganesh idols. As per Dharmashastra, idols should be immersed in flowing water and there is no proof of immersion of idols causing pollution. Please try to get proper information on what happens after Shri Ganesh idols are immersed in such artificial water tanks’, was the request made by advocate Shri. Sanjeev Punalekar, National Secretary of Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad to Mumbai Mayor.
It is stated in the letter that
- Many municipal corporations throw the water and half dissolved idols in river water collected in artificial water tanks which causes desecration of idols. Had devotees known what happened after immersion, they would have never donated their idols.
- It has been noted from information obtained under RTI that many municipal corporations are not aware what happens to the idols later. At some places, even municipality’s solid waste department has handled this matter. The idols are collected from artificial water tanks and taken in a garbage van to some place where they are thrown away. No record is kept of this activity.
- In case of one municipal corporation, it is claimed that the idols are used as soil in gardens; but there are no records.
- On publishing news about artificial water tanks, a devotee came to us for filing case against Asim Sarode and others for hurting religious sentiments.
- An artificial water tank is erected in premises of Mayor’s bungalow; but information on what happens to the idols, how much money is spent for the whole thing, whether any record is kept on idols etc. can be obtained by any alert citizen under RTI. If such information proves to result in hurting religious sentiments of people or it turns out that water pollution could not be prevented at the cost of unnecessary expenses, Mayor can be criticized for the same; therefore, we request you to take proper care.
Following suggestions have been made to the Mayor :
- Get information on how idols immersed in artificial water tank erected in premises of Mayor’s house, are going to be treated.
- Take care to see that in no case such idols are taken in garbage van or thrown in trash.
- Video-record every action taken in connection with such idols since the responsibility will lie with you.
- Keep explanation ready on – how water pollution can be prevented if half dissolved idols are later thrown in water or if the water from such tank is connected to sewage pipes and what is going to be achieved by hurting religious sentiments of devotees.
We are sure that, if the above mentioned care is not taken before erection of artificial water tank or accepting donation of idols, you yourself will not participate in such drives.
A copy of this letter is being forwarded to Municipal Commissioner, Shiv Sena Chief Shri. Uddhav Thackeray and Sarsangh-chalak Shri. Mohanji Bhagwat.
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat