In the back of these trucks , giant , brightly painted statues of the Hindu god Ganesha are waiting to be dropped in the nearby ocean . Hindu ritual of immersing idols in ponds , rivers and lakes is causing problems . Paints on idols often contain toxic metals , such as lead and mercury . They contaminate plants , poison animals and irrigation and drinking water . ` ` ' immersion '' suggested as a solution -- idol is sprinkled symbolically with water .
Hindu ritual of immersing idols in ponds , rivers and lakes is causing problems . Paints on idols often contain toxic metals , such as lead and mercury . They contaminate plants , poison animals and irrigation and drinking water . ` ` ' immersion '' suggested as a solution -- idol is sprinkled symbolically with water .