Environmental Concerns Disguised As Religious Intolerance?

Ganesh organisers defend Valencia River immersion | News Extra | trinidadexpress.com

For those who are unaware of the story, a Hindu festival was observed in which at the end of the festival a murti made of clay (unbaked) is submerged into water and allowed to dissolve.

Judging by the comments garnered by various outlets, is this true care for the environment or just religious intolerance dressed up?