In the aftermath of Ganesh Chaturthi, locals have begun complaining about the visarjan. A McKinney resident complained about idols being submerged at the pond in Nora Haney Park.
A report on the same from Dallas Express sparked debates on pollution and littering laws. As per Texas laws, leaving solid waste in inland waters is an offense.
The Nora Haney Park is a popular destination for fishing and flag football. Conducting a visarjan in its pond has led to local outrage.
Ganesh idols are traditionally made from clay, which dissolves easily in water. However, modern idols use Plaster of Paris (PoP).
Environmental studies have shown that PoP idols are non-biodegradeable and release harmful chemicals. The paints used also contain dangerous heavy metals like lead.
Immersing such idols in lakes and ponds causes significant pollution to the waters. This harms the animals who live in the lake and use its water.
Temples in the Dallas-Forth Worth area have urged avoiding PoP idols and glitter decor. But many private events have not listened to that warning.
Even in India, PoP idols are banned, requiring idols to be made from natural clay and paints.
The local outrage caused by visarjan events are yet another example of the tense situation in the US. NRIs abroad have become the targets of hatred due to practices which break local laws in the name of religious tradition.
