Karnataka restricts POP Ganesh idol installation in Gram Panchayat limits and directs strict enforcement of the 2023 government order before the Ganesh festival
Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Ishwar Khandre has directed officials to deny permission for the installation of Plaster of Paris (POP) Ganesh idols within Gram Panchayat limits. The order calls for strict implementation of the September 15, 2023, government notification, coordination with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, and public awareness campaigns promoting eco-friendly Ganesh idols ahead of the Gauri-Ganesh festival.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Ishwar Khandre has directed the Secretary of the Rural Development Department to ensure that no permission is granted for the installation of Plaster of Paris (POP) Ganesh idols within Gram Panchayat limits across the state. The directive comes ahead of the Gauri and Ganesh festival celebrations scheduled for September 13 and 14.
The Minister instructed officials to seek assistance from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to prevent the manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of POP Ganesh idols. The direction is based on concerns over the impact of POP idol immersion on lakes, rivers, wells and other water bodies.
According to the government, the restriction is being implemented under Section 33(a) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, which prohibits the immersion of POP idols in water sources due to environmental concerns.
"Only eco-friendly Gauri and Ganesh idols should be permitted for installation and immersion within Gram Panchayat limits while ensuring that religious sentiments are not affected," the Minister said in the directive.
Karnataka POP Ganesh Idol Ban to Follow High Court Direction
The Minister directed officials to strictly enforce the government order issued on September 15, 2023, which prohibits the manufacture, transportation, storage, sale and immersion of POP idols. The Karnataka High Court has also directed authorities to implement the order without delay.
The Rural Development Department has been instructed to take immediate measures to ensure compliance while maintaining public order during the festival season.
Officials have also been asked to conduct awareness programmes at the Gram Panchayat level to encourage the use of eco-friendly Gauri and Ganesh idols across rural Karnataka.
Why Has Karnataka Restricted POP Ganesh Idols?
According to the department, Plaster of Paris contains calcium sulphate hemihydrate and other materials used during idol production. The idols are commonly painted using chemical-based colours containing heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium and lead.
The government stated that when POP idols are immersed in rivers, lakes, dams, ponds and wells, these substances dissolve into the water, affecting water quality and posing risks to aquatic life, livestock and public health.
The department also noted that POP does not dissolve easily in water, resulting in the accumulation of waste in water bodies after festival immersions.
Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols to Be Promoted Across Rural Karnataka
The Minister stated that Ganesha is traditionally associated with clay and nature, making eco-friendly idols suitable for worship and immersion.
To support this initiative, Gram Panchayats have been directed to launch awareness campaigns encouraging residents to choose clay-based and other environmentally compliant idols during the upcoming Gauri-Ganesh celebrations.
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board will assist local authorities in monitoring compliance and preventing the manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of POP Ganesh idols in rural areas.
The Rural Development Department has also instructed officials to ensure that enforcement measures are carried out in a manner that does not affect religious practices while implementing the environmental regulations notified by the state government.
