Bhubaneswar/Cuttack, Nov. 15: Environmentalists expressed concern over use of non-biodegradable material in the making of miniature boats that were set afloat by people during Boita bandana celebrations in Mahanadi, Kathajodi and Daya rivers and the Bindusagar lake in the twin cities.
Earlier, boats sailed on Kartik purnima used to be made of eco-friendly material such as trunks of plantains or paper boats. But, the use of non-biodegradable material, such as thermocol, cheap lead-based paints, varnish and coloured papers, have become popular in recent years which pose immense environmental risks.
Civic officials of both the cities had a tough time today conducting cleanliness drives in the water bodies in their respective areas. "We have deputed extra personnel for cleaning the Bindusagar lake and the Daya river. Various voluntary organisations have also extended a helping hand to us," said Bhubaneswar mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.
Environmentalists said the people were using thermocol boats because of lack of awareness.
"People should be aware of the hazardous effects of non-biodegradable material. Shola pith was an eco-friendly alternative to trunks of plantains, which were adequately available," said Cuttack Environmental Society secretary Ashutosh Debata.
The Odisha State Pollution Control Board is yet to frame any guidelines for banning the sale and use of boats made of hazardous material. A board official said that though they had no particular guideline for the use of such boats, they had asked the civic bodies to conduct awareness campaigns urging people to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner.
Cuttack's municipal commissioner Gyana Das said the miniature boats would be cleared off the rivers tomorrow. "It has been an annual exercise of the civic body following the Kartik purnima," he said.
Environmentalists also said thermocol foam was a major component of plastic debris along with biodegradable material in the rivers and ponds that was hazardous to marine life and leads to introduction of toxic chemicals in the food chain. It also blocks sunrays from reaching out to the flora and fauna of the water bodies.
"Removing the debris from the water bodies and dumping them elsewhere only add to the local pollution load. It responds very slowly to bacterial decomposition in the soil, thus making it infertile. It also releases toxic gas on burning, which can cause respiratory problems," said environmental activist Pravat Ranjan Dash.
"All are well aware of the plight of Delhi where pollution has a very negative impact on the life of its people. Traditions and rituals should be followed, but the environmental menace they create should be minimised with proper management and it is the duty of all," said environmentalist Sailabala Padhi.
