Haridwar, Sept. 2 -- The Haridwar district administration has prohibited idol immersion in the river and earmarked four designated sites in Haridwar and Kankhal for the ongoing Ganesh Mahotsava, officials said, adding that temporary immersion ponds have been created, including one at Bairagi Camp specifically for the festival. Devotees have been instructed to use these sites instead of the river ghats, where idol immersion has been banned for the past few years. According to officials, district magistrate Mayur Dixit directed civic officials to ensure strict compliance, warning that no idol should end up in the Ganga Environmentalists have welcomed the decision, urging use of eco-friendly materials for idols. "Idol immersion should never be done directly in the Ganga or its canal. Committees should use clay, terracotta, turmeric, and natural colours instead of synthetic paints," said Dr Gagan Matta, assistant professor of environmental science at Gurukul Kangri University....