Impact of festivals on environment: a case study of ganesh festival in india

Dr. Borhade Shivaji* *Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Yashwantrao Mohite College, Pune-411 038(India) E-Mail:Snborhade@Hotmail.Com

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this paper is to study the origin and celebration of Ganesh festival in India as well as outside India and to assess the impact of Ganesh festival on environment and indispensability of eco-friendly Ganesh festival in India. The celebration of Ganesh festival has changed in terms of its scale as well as involvement of the people. About 80 per cent of India's 1.1 billion populations are Hindus. In recent years, their religious festivals and customs have come under increasing scrutiny as public awareness of environmental issues grows. The activities of the Ganesh festival cause the concerns in terms of water pollution, air pollution and noise pollution.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH
The scope of this study is confined to the celebration of Ganesh festival in India. The present study is based on secondary data. The data and literature are used to assess the impact of Ganesh festival on water pollution, noise pollution and air pollution. The data were sought from various reference books, journals, newspapers, published and unpublished reports, internet, etc. FINDINGS

The most serious impact of the Ganesh festival on the natural environment is due to the immersion of idols made of Plaster of Paris into lakes, rivers and the sea. The noise levels in all the cities of Maharashtra were exceeding the permissible limit during the Ganesh festival. In spite of legal standards in place and efforts of the regulatory agencies, the noise levels could not be controlled under the permissible limit.

RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS
Hindus across India celebrate various religious festivals throughout the year. Elaborately painted and decorated idols are worshipped before they are taken during mass processions to rivers, lakes and the sea, where they are immersed in accordance with Hindu faith. However, the research is limited only for the celebration of Ganesh festival.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
The Ganesh festival is not only celebrated in India but also celebrated in the US, Singapore, Britain, Canada, Hague, Netherlands and other parts of the world. This paper assesses the impact of Ganesh festival on environment. This paper also provides managerial functions in managing eco-friendly Ganesh festival. It is useful for Ganesh mandals (group of people) whop celebrate Ganesh festival across the world.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE
This paper creates awareness among the people regarding eco-friendly Ganesh festival. It bridges the gap between traditional management and eco-friendly management of Ganesh festival. Top

Keywords
Ganesh Festival, Eco-friendly, Environmental Pollution, Idols, Nirmalya, Management.

The following laws are applicable in Chandigarh for controlling noise pollution: 1. The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 (Annexure 3.1) are enforceable by the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Police department and CPCC as notified by the Chandigarh Administration. High-pitched sounds seem to be louder and more annoying than low-pitched sounds. Normally sound pressure measurement in decibel-A[dB(A)] units is weighted for high-pitched sounds. As a general rule, any noise above 90 decibels risks injury to the ears and the louder the noise the shorter exposure needed for damage. Under the Factories Act, 1948, continuous exposure to noise up to 90 dB(A) is allowed for only 8 hours per day. However, an exposure to 115 dB(A) noise level is allowed for 15 minutes only to avoid health damage due to high noise levels. Though in the city of Chandigarh high traffic zones and industrial zones are separated from residential areas by green belts and vacant areas (leisure valleys) which act as noise absorbers, however, increasing noise levels can have a negative impact on health of its residents. The

general effect of noise on human heath is presented in Box 3.3. However, no specific data on noise related health impacts in Chandigarh is available.

Impact of Noise Pollution on human health

comprehensive legislation for controlling noise level in Industrial (permissible limit 75 decibels), commercial (permissible limit 65 decibels) and residential zones (permissible limit 55 decibels). The Deputy Commissioner is the regulatory authority. These Rules include the creation of silence zones (upto 100 meters from educational institutions, courts and hospital premises). The following are the highlights : No permission can be granted by any authority (except the Deputy Commissioner for functions within closed premises) for use of public address system in the open after 10.00 PM and before 6.00 AM.

Any person or organization making noise on amplified system during this period can be prosecuted under the provisions of the EPA, 1986. In case permission has been procured the sound must remain within the sound limits prescribed in the Noise Rules. Any person violating the Rules is liable to be arrested under the stringent provisions of EPA, 1986. A citizen can also file a complaint in the Court after 60 days notice to authorities. 2. Noise has also been identified as a 'nuisance' and action is possible Under Section 133 of CrPC. 3. Guidelines for installation of DG sets have also been notified under Noise Rules which specify noise limits for sets (upto 100KVA) manufactured before and after 01-07-2003 (Annexure 3.2). 4. Provisions of the Punjab Instruments (Control of Noise) Act, 1956 are applicable in Chandigarh. This

Each individual is affected differently by noise. However, certain health hazards linked to excessive exposure to noise heighten the need for taking action for noise control. It has been found that the general impact of noise includes headaches, irritability, insomnia, the reduction in sexual desire and loss of appetite. The following are the common impacts of community noise: q Tiredness and headache q Impairment of visual acuity by the presence of loud music q Tension, uncertainty and faster talking q Decrease in informal interaction amongst neighbours q Poor scholastic performance q Elevated blood pressure q Loss of appetite q Impact on sleep q If sound waves consist of regular vibrations it is often judged to be pleasing, whereas random waveforms are experienced as noise. Excessive noise results in decreased hearing sensitivity. This effect is at first temporary and should a person remain in a quiet environment his hearing soon recovers. Exposure to very loud noise or repeated exposure to more moderate noise may result in permanent hearing loss. Sounds above 120 dB (A) can cause permanent hearing loss by initiating tinnitus, a distressing disorder (whine or ringing in ears). Induced hearing loss can be prevented but can never be cured. The danger is that a person may not perceive the noise to be a problem, but may already have experienced hearing loss. q Noise also produces peripheral vasoconstriction (constriction of small

blood vessels in the limbs) resulting in reduced blood volume and blood flow in parts of the body accompanied by an increase in blood flow to the head. Noise also induces changes in blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output and pulse volume. q Noise affects vision and balance. It has been established that man becomes dizzy on exposure to high intensity sound and his ability to select relevant from irrelevant information can be impaired. q Noise causes a reduction of the blood flow to the placenta, responsible for the nourishment of the foetus. Various abnormalities and impaired brain formation in the foetus of animals have been attributed to noiseinduced alteration in hormone balance in the mother. q Noise can create a stress response in humans, affecting the endocrine and nervous systems. Adaptation and habituation can occur, but prolonged exposure may be detrimental. q Noise that affects feelings and reactions has a psychological effect on humans. This normally occurs at noise levels that do not cause a physical effect. Annoyance, stress and hypertension are symptoms of the psychological impacts of noise pollution. q Further, noise levels interfere dramatically with communication that may often lead to loss in p