Now Reading: Karnataka urges clay Ganesha idols to protect water bodies
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Karnataka urges clay Ganesha idols to protect water bodies
Karnataka has urged devotees to use unpainted clay Gauri and Ganesha idols during the September 13-14 festivities and avoid plaster of Paris (POP) idols. Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre…
The Story in Brief
Karnataka has urged devotees to use unpainted clay Gauri and Ganesha idols during the September 13-14 festivities and avoid plaster of Paris (POP) idols. Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre directed gram panchayats to run awareness campaigns and curb the manufacture, storage, transport and sale of banned POP idols, with support from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.
The government says POP idols and their chemical paints can release pollutants into lakes, rivers, ponds, reservoirs and wells after immersion. Karnataka has prohibited their manufacture, transport, sale and immersion since September 2023 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. The High Court has repeatedly directed authorities to enforce the ban.
The Indian Opinion
The lazy version of this debate presents tradition and environmental protection as opposites. The reported harm is tied to POP material and chemical paints, not to worship or immersion itself, while clay idols offer a practical alternative. But appeals alone will not stop prohibited products reaching markets. The test is whether gram panchayats and pollution officials prevent sales before the festival, rather than merely count contaminated water bodies afterwards.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
