Ganesh Chaturthi: DCs urge public to use eco-friendly idols
This alters their physical and chemical properties, adversely affects the environment, and poses a threat to the lives of animals, birds, and aquatic creatures. Additionally, polluted water poses a risk to public health, warned Darshan HV and Swaroopa TK, DCs of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, respectively.
In line with the high court order and the notification from KSPCB, a directive has been issued to protect natural water sources from pollution caused during the festivals. Immersing PoP or coloured Gauri, Ganesha idols in any lake, well, pond, or other water bodies in the state is prohibited. The DCs urged the public to celebrate
Ganesh Chaturthi
in an environmentally friendly manner.
They emphasised the importance of installing eco-friendly clay Ganesha idols to prevent environmental harm.
Given the possibility of PoP Ganesha idols being manufactured or brought in from other districts, Udupi DC Swaroopa suggested setting up checkpoints at district borders to prevent their use and encouraged the production and sale of clay Ganesha idols. "Efforts should be made at taluk-level to curb the transportation storage and sale of PoP idols.
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Surprise inspections should be conducted at manufacturing units and sales locations.
Local bodies should designate specific areas in lakes and riverbeds for the immersion of traditional Ganesha idols. Collection units should be installed for the disposal of flowers and other materials used in the worship," said Swaroopa.
Udupi SP Hariram Shankar said committees installing public Ganesha idols must obtain mandatory permissions from the police department and local bodies.
The use of loudspeakers is prohibited from 10pm to 6am, he said, and recommended to install CCTV cameras and lighting arrangements in Ganesh pandals.
Meanwhile, the KSPCB warned of legal action against those selling PoP idols. The immersion of PoP or coloured idols in any river, canal or well is prohibited. Violations will result in appropriate legal action, the board warned, suggesting that idols made of natural materials should be immersed at designated locations.
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