Rivers, lakes, ponds, and other water bodies are often used for the disposal of religious offerings such as flowers, garlands, cloth, food items, incense remains, decorative materials, and packaging.
While these offerings are made with devotion and respect, many of the associated materials do not decompose quickly or may contain plastics, synthetic fabrics, dyes, and other non-biodegradable substances.
Over time, repeated disposal can lead to waste accumulation near riverbanks and pond edges, affecting water quality, aquatic life, and the cleanliness of public water resources.
The issue is not the religious practice itself, but the environmental consequences of the disposal method.I observed that after religious ceremonies and festivals, flowers, garlands, cloth pieces, plastic packets, and decorative materials are frequently placed into rivers and ponds. Many of these materials remain visible along the banks for long periods instead of naturally disappearing.