Dead Fish Found in Mandli Talao: PoP Idols' Immersion Causing Crisis

In Mira Bhayandar, India, a significant environmental crisis unfolded as hundreds of dead fish surfaced in the Mandli Talao, a lake adjacent to a community hall, on Tuesday. The situation can be attributed to the immersion of Plaster-of-Paris (PoP) idols during the Ganesh-Utsav festivities, which occurred this year across 11 days and witnessed over 600 immersions, with many idols made from non-biodegradable materials. This process, along with the daily dumping of floral waste, filth, and plastic bags, dramatically reduced the lake's oxygen levels. Environmental experts suggest that the use of toxic paints on these idols contributes to the problem by forming a layer on the water's surface, preventing oxygen from diffusing into the water and suffocating aquatic life. Despite awareness of the situation, local authorities have faced criticism for not enforcing better waste management practices or taking comprehensive actions to address the issue, The foul odor from the deceased fish presents a public health hazard, raising concerns among local residents as they demand accountability from responsible officials. Currently, efforts to assess the damage to the lake's ecosystem have begun but remain ongoing. Environmentalist Dhiraj Parab highlighted the problem, emphasizing the need for concrete actions against the ongoing pollution caused by the immersion of idols made from non-biodegradable materials. The lack of effective measures raises urgent questions about the future health and biodiversity of the Mandli Talao and similar natural water bodies.