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[FREE REPORT] Religion: Allies or Enemies? |
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by CHARU SMITA | 20-04-2021 20:34
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Since ages we have used oceans as a bargain. It gives us resources and we give it care. This balance is necessary for human survival. In ancient times, people worshipped the ocean. They feared the waves and the chaos. However, with technological advancement, we found out more about these natural pheromones and slowly began to forget the balance that was necessary. Humans did not forget religion, rather, created new rules of patriotism. These are what we know as religion beliefs or customs. But are these customs necessary if we forget the balance of life? Keeping this in mind, I would like to focus on religious pollution that lingers around the Hindu religion. On 18 April, few states of India saw the festival of 'Chhath' pass by in a giffy. However, the impact it made doesn't seem to vanish. Chhatt is a festival dedicated to the sun god. While some environmentalist claims that it is one of the most eco-friendly festival, as a citizen who has witnessed the festival post-covid, I cannot help but beg to differ. The problem does not necessarily lie in the procedure, rather, it is humans to be blamed. The festival requires the female or male of the family to descend into the river and perform a set of rituals before coming out and offering flowers to the water. Many other steps are taken which are considered eco friendly. However, we also need to realise that our rivers and Ponds are no longer pure. Stepping into the the water will not only cause skin disease, but also further pollute it. Small impacts like this are carried out on large scale which worsens the situation for us. Not only that, but our selfishness and ignorance can be dangerous enough to put the human race as a whole under danger. Waste materials produced should be carried home or thrown in a dustbin. However, many people often leave it undisturbed on the shore or discharged it in the water bodies. Due to this, water quality depletes rapidly, which can also spread small epidemics such as cholera, skin diseases, dystenry, etc. As per the Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s 2016 report, biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels had shot up to 30 mg/l against the permissible 3 mg/l and dissolved oxygen, which should be 4 mg/l had plummeted to nil, showcasing how severe the water pollution levels were due to Chhath Puja. This data has risen to an horrifying number through the past years. This year too, we haven't seen much progress. Not to mention the fact that this festivals comes round twice a year. While dealing with situations we cannot avoid, we must realise that we can still take actions to reduce it. That is why, government and the citizens must come together to fight against water pollution. Some steps that can be taken to reduce the enviornment impact are: 1) Devotees should try to avoid using rivers and public Ponds to carry out the ritual. Small pits should be made at home and filled with water. After the festival, this water can be used to water the plants or used in toilets. 2) In public places, authorities should see that no one disposes oil or plastic in the water. 3) Devotees should make sure that they use the minimum amount of materials required and use eco-friendly materials. 4) Nets should be used to make sure no waste is left in the water after the festival ends. The waste should then be disposed properly. 5) Certain Ponds that are prone to more water pollution should be off limits. Ponds and river which are habitats of animals should also be off limits in order to protect marine life. |
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Former E-gen Ambassador
CHARU SMITA
Previous : Pollution
2 Comments
Hi CHARU,
This is your mentor Yuseon:D
Thanks for sharing your insight on how religious festivals might not be that eco-friendly, due to undisposable waste and indiscreet use of rivers during rituals. It is even more crucial to diseases that spread through the water like hydraulic diseases.
Anyway thanks for sharing your insight along with some measures we could take to reduce environmental impact:) Good report overall!
Keep up the good work,
Yuseon
Posted 30-04-2021 10:35
Hi Charu,
This is your mentor Debbie. :)
Properly disposing waste is not only bad for the environment, but as you??ve said, it??s also very harmful for us human beings. In order to sustain a healthy life AND a healthy environment, we should all work together to reduce the environmental impact. I agree with all five steps you??ve mentioned, and personally I feel like the most important one is step1. It leaves a direct impact that is not retractable!! 

Thanks for sharing, Charu. Keep it up !!

Debbie
Posted 28-04-2021 11:28