Daijiworld Media Network - Bicholim

Bicholim, Sept 11: Residents of Vitthalapur in Sanquelim and nearby areas have raised strong objections over the unchecked littering along the banks of the Valvonti river following Ganesh idol immersion during the recently concluded Chaturthi celebrations.

Large-scale deposits of mud, sand, firework waste, and other disposable items have turned the riverbanks into an eyesore, locals complained, urging authorities to immediately clean up the site. The Valvonti banks have traditionally served as an immersion point for families in the region.

Meanwhile, concerns have also surfaced in Bicholim town over the immersion of plaster of paris (PoP) idols. Locals pointed out that several idols immersed at ‘Devteche Bandar’, near Gothneshwar Devasthan at Bordem, have still not dissolved weeks after the festival.

“These must be PoP idols as they remain intact even now,” remarked local resident Arun Kudalkar.

Echoing similar concerns, veteran clay artist Ramakant Shetkar of Bordem had earlier warned about the harmful effects of PoP idols on the environment and had urged the government to take strict legal action against violators.