Date:25/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/25/stories/2006082519030200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

A case for clay idols

ANOTHER GANESHA Habba is around the corner and more idols will be bought, displayed and offered pujas and eventually immersed in water bodies.

A study on the water quality of Sankey Tank by an IISc. researcher Harish Bhat has reportedly revealed the harmful effect of chemical paints used on idols on the water. Other lakes may be at risk too.

Without adequate marine life, lakes will become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Unpainted clay idols that were popular once seem to be the answer.

Raghava M.