The guidelines said that idols should be made from materials as described in the scriptures. Use of traditional clay (shadu) to make idols rather than baked clay or plaster of paris should be encouraged, allowed and promoted, it said.

The board has asked that painting of idols be discouraged and if the idols are painted, water soluble and nontoxic natural dyes be used. Use of toxic and nonbiodegradable chemical dyes should be strictly prohibited.

The other guidelines said that material used for worship like flowers, vastra (clothes), decorating material made of paper and plastic should be removed before immersion.

Bio-degradable materials should be collected separately for recycling or composting and non-biodegradable materials be collected separately for disposal in sanitary landfills. Clothes can be sent to orphanages, the guidelines added.

The board has asked local bodies to help curb pollution. "Local bodies and district authorities generally identify adequate number of designated immersion spots to avoid overcrowding and to reduce pollution. Such spots should be notified and public and pooja committees informed preferably a month before such events. All the stakeholders like the river authority, port authority, water supply board and irrigation department should be consulted for identification of immersion ghats, the guidelines said.

Source: Times Of India CPCB issues festival guidelines