U.S. Pavitra of Vidyanjali School, Gottigere, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore conducted a study on the levels of Lead in the water of Gottigere Lake, before and after Ganapati immersion in 2008.

She was assisted by her school teachers and NRCLPI (National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India) and Karnataka Pollution Control Board in her project.

The key finding was the lead levels increased to 12.8 ppb after the immersion from < 5 ppb before the immersion. The full project reports in English and Kannada can be seen by clicking on the links.

Download: Gottigere Report in English
Download: Gottigere Report in Kannada

We wish to thank Sri.Umashankar, Head Master who has been an inspirational teacher and U.S.Pavitra for sharing this information and reports. They shared this report with the local authorities. The lakes have now been fenced and no immersion of idols is allowed. The children of the school also actively take part in local awareness campaigns promoting the use of unpainted clay idols for Ganapati pooja.