Bengaluru Bans POP Ganesh Idols Ahead of Chaturthi to Protect Water Bodies
With Ganesh Chaturthi approaching, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has issued a city-wide ban on the production, sale, and immersion of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (POP) and other non-biodegradable materials. The directive, announced on Tuesday, also prohibits the immersion of idols painted with chemical paints containing heavy metals in lakes, wells, and other water sources.
The decision comes as part of the civic body's annual efforts to prevent pollution of Bengaluru's water bodies during the festival season. Officials noted that thousands of idols are traditionally immersed in lakes, wells, and other water sources across the city after the festivities, leading to contamination of water and soil.
“The restrictions were necessary to prevent the pollution of water bodies. Every year, idols are immersed in lakes, wells and other water sources across Bengaluru after the festivities. POP, chemical paints and artificial decorations used on the idols can pollute the water and soil and pose a threat to aquatic life,” said Special Commissioner (Forest, Environment and Climate Change) Sushama Godbole.
Ms. Godbole has directed the Commissioners of the five municipal corporations within the GBA to strictly enforce the restrictions. Officials have been instructed to conduct inspections at manufacturing units, markets, and potential immersion points to ensure compliance. Those found violating the directions will face legal action under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which includes fines and possible prosecution.
Environmental activists have welcomed the move, stating that POP idols contain gypsum, sulphur, and phosphorus, which do not dissolve easily and can increase the acidity of water. Additionally, chemical paints used on idols often contain lead, mercury, and cadmium, which are toxic to aquatic life and can seep into groundwater.
The GBA has also urged citizens to opt for eco-friendly alternatives such as idols made from natural clay, papier-mâché, or other biodegradable materials. Private immersion tanks are being arranged in many residential areas to facilitate safe disposal. Residents have been advised to avoid immersing idols in open water bodies and to follow the guidelines issued by the civic body.
Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, involves the installation of Ganesh idols in homes and public pandals, followed by their immersion in water after a period of worship. While the festival holds deep cultural significance, the environmental impact of idol immersion has been a growing concern in cities like Bengaluru, where lakes are already under stress from urban pollution.
In recent years, several states have implemented similar bans on POP idols. The GBA's directive aims to balance cultural practices with environmental sustainability, ensuring that the city's water bodies are not further degraded.
Officials have appealed to the public to cooperate with the measures and participate in a more environmentally responsible celebration. “We are not against the festival, but we want to ensure that our water bodies remain clean. We urge citizens to use clay idols and reduce the use of non-biodegradable decorations,” Ms. Godbole added.
The ban will remain in effect until the conclusion of the festival, with special monitoring teams deployed to key locations. The GBA has also set up a helpline for citizens to report violations or seek guidance on eco-friendly alternatives.
