A ban on throwing offerings into the water to accompany the ashes of loved ones scattered in sea burials was challenged yesterday at a Southern District Council committee meeting. Councillors said it was tradition to offer items such as flowers and food at a funeral, but officials said the practice was banned to avoid pollution. Councillor Chu Ching-hong questioned how the ban could be enforced. 'You are not sending an officer to monitor the casting of ashes,' Mr Chu said. Officials said that was so, but believed mourners would obey the rules.