Ganesh Chaturthi: ‘PoP’ goes the ban on idols!

Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) made their way into the water bodies after Ganesh Chaturthi, despite Bruhat Bengaluru Mahangara Palike (BBMP) and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) making claims before the festival that they will not allow manufacture and sale of idols made from the material. People feel that if officials had stopped immersion of such idols, devotees will shift towards celebrating a eco-friendly Ganesha festival from next year. People also complained that the drive against the PoP Ganesha idols was done half-heartedly as shopkeepers and traders continued to sell idols without being penalised reports Aknisree Karthik

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) allowed immersion of all Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols citing religious sentiment as several thousands of Ganesha idols made of the material made their way into the lakes, tanks and other water bodies in the city.

Despite the availability, sale and immersion of PoP idols, the civic body and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) patted their backs for their work in enforcing a ban on PoP Ganesha idols this year. In the run-up to the festival, the authorities concerned had raided several joints where PoP idols were made and seized them.

In Yediyur lake alone, the total number of PoP idols immersed on 2 September crossed 1,000. If this is the condition of one lake, it is anybody's guess on the total number of PoP idols which would have made their way into the city's water bodies.

“BBMP had earlier said that it will not allow immersion of PoP idols. But during immersion, we saw hundreds of them walking near the immersion points and leaving their PoP idols. We accept there is a great improvement in people shifting towards eco-friendly Ganesha idols. However, the goal will be achieved only when we find no PoP idols sold and immersed in water bodies,” said Mr Manjunath, a resident of Yediyur.

He said that if officials would have stopped such devotees before immersion, at least from next year they would shift towards celebrating a eco-friendly Ganesha festival.

“Religious sentiment is not the issue here. We are not against Ganesha festival. Our objection is only on the POP idols. Experts have pointed out the damage these idols cause to the water bodies and how in turn all these pollutants enter the food chain and our body,” said Ms Usha, a resident of RR Nagar.

“If there is one thing which we can do to our future generations, it is giving them a cleaner environment. We have already done enough damage. We should wake up at least now, else no one can protect the environment from further degradation,” she added.