Shillong, Oct 13: The National Green Tribunal, Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata has publicized instructions to all concerns that the Plaster of Paris (PoP) and synthetic colours should not be used in idol making as it may affect the water quality system.

The MNGT’s order was announced in the state by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board.

Stating that some simple ways should be followed to celebrate Puja in an eco-friendly way, the NGT said that beautiful idols of Goddess Durga, etc, should be created with all bio-degradable materials like mud or clay, chaff, jute, bamboos, coconut etc. and natural colours to paint them, to prevent water pollution and save the environment.

The hand rolled incense sticks can be used as they do not pose any environmental threat.

On eco-friendly decorative items, the tribunal said that decorative articles made of natural products such as leaves, natural colours made from turmeric, rice flour, pulse and similar items should also utlised.

“Use plaintain saplings with roots, planted in pots for the decoration of the deity instead of cutting down the plaintain trees. The devotees could use vessels made out of areca nut s heaths to keep the puja items, which are biodegradable, instead of plastic vessels,” the NGT said.

On the need to save energy, the NGT stressed the need to replace bright incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFL) or LED as they save electricity and money.

The NGT also instructed to say no to plastic and use natural materials such as cloth, wood and paper for decorations and reuse materials from previous years in different ways.

On noise pollution, the tribunal called for avoiding playing loud music which can cause disturbance to the society but play instruments that are soft and soothing and turn off the music by 10 pm and abide by rules. The tribunal also said no to crackers.

The tribunal also called for a cleaning-up drive after the immersion ceremony, to encourage associations, NGOs, social workers and volunteers in your neighborhood to participate in a clean-up drive as this helps to prevent water pollution.