Despite bold statements from BBMP and KSPCB, PoP idols continue to pop up every year
While authorities of different departments not evincing interest to take stringent measures against those making or selling plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols, the much publicised and hyped statements of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) authorities continue to remain on paper year after year. Issuing statements has become a routine for the BBMP and KSPCB authorities same as how it has become a habit for those responsible for Ganesha idols made of plaster of Paris to flout the norms.
It is a known fact that some unscrupulous elements have been included in the making plaster of Paris Ganesha idols on the outskirts of the city, but the KSPCB authorities or local bodies fail to stop them from making and supplying such idols to Bengaluru. Without taking preventive measures, the BBMP Chief Commissioner has been issuing statements of filing criminal cases against those selling such idols that would pollute the environment.
Residents, especially environmentalists, want the BBMP authorities to prevent entry of Ganesha idols made of plaster of Paris into the city. They want the authorities concerned to conduct raids on warehouses where such idols are kept. “I have come across some sheds at Marasandra near Doddaballapur where thousands of Ganesha idols made of plaster of Paris are kept. I was told that the KSPCB authorities have been visiting these sheds to collect money instead of taking a stringent action against those making such idols,’’ said Balakrishna, a resident of Marasandra.
Bangalore Mirror published a story – Authorities swoop down on, slap fines on PoP idol sellers – on September 17, 2023, narrating how a team of BBMP officials, KSPCB officials, marshalls, and police swooped down on temporary stalls to seize idols made of plaster of Paris. They have seized 16 idols and penalised eight people Rs 1,000 each.
Coming down heavily on the BBMP, KSPCB and police for the lack of coordination to curb the menace of idols made of plaster of Paris, an environmentalist on a condition of anonymity, has opined that it is the KSPCB authorities who have to act tough against those responsible for making or selling idols made of plaster of Paris. “It has become a routine for the BBMP authorities and KSPCB authorities to issue statements on the occasion of the Ganesha festival. I want the KSPCB authorities to stop people from making such idols that pose danger to the environment,’’ said the environmentalist.
Nivedita Sunkad, Managing Trustee of I Care RR Nagar, has said that all environmental rules and regulations go to sleep during the festival. “How many years since we have been hearing about the ban on PoP Ganeshas. But still they are popping up in every street.
The KSPCB keeps on promoting eco-friendly Ganesha idols but does nothing when PoP idols land in the market. The BBMP gives out statement after statement about penalising sellers but residents don’t get to see any action on the ground. This looks like another Ban Plastic Bags story,’’ said Sunkad.
This looks like another Ban Plastic Bags story. KSPCB promoting eco-friendly practices and BBMP’s statements are doing nothing
– Resident
When informed, KSPCB Environment Officer SC Suresh said that he visited the shed where Ganesha idols made of plaster of Paris were kept and seized 250 such idols. “I have no power to stop the people from making Ganesha idols with plaster of Paris.
Marasandra falls under the jurisdiction of Arakere Village Panchayat which is authorised to punish those involved in making Ganesha idols with plaster of Paris,’’ said the officer. Meanwhile, the Arakere Panchayat Development Officer has said that he has already seized Ganesha idols made of plaster of Paris. “I will send a team of officials to stop making such idols,’’ said the Arakere Panchayat Development Officer.
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