KSPCB seeks police help to enforce ban on PoP idols

More than a decade after banning Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) and chemical paints containing heavy metals, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) is struggling to enforce the rule. It now relies on the police to enforce the ban.In 2014, the Board banned the PoP idols by citing the multiple harms caused to the environment. However, the banned idols are sold across the city every year. The government and the Board continue to claim that the number of such idols has come down when compared with clay ones.In letters dated September 1 written to Bengaluru city police commissioner as well as DG&IGP, the Board pointed to the 2023 gazetted notification to reinforce the ban and requested their cooperation in enforcing it in the city and the state, respectively.The Board has directed that only clay idols should be allowed by the authorities concerned.GBA to deny permission for installation of PoP Ganesh idols: M Maheshwar Rao“PoP idols are detrimental to lakes and water bodies as well as aquatic animals and the larger environment. The Forest, Ecology and Environment Department has directed the Board to inform all the agencies in this regard. We request the police to ensure no PoP idols are allowed while issuing permission to set up pandals and install Ganesha idols,” the letter said.Interaction with NGOsForest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy has called all the non-government organisations working on environment protection and conservation for an interaction on September 7 at Parisara Bhavan.Those interested can send a message or WhatsApp to 9241669999.

Source: Deccan Herald