Avoid pollution during Ganesh Chaturthi: KSPCB

Mangaluru: Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), responsible for the conservation of lakes and other water bodies by minimizing pollution, has instructed the public to avoid use the idols of Lord Ganesha made of plaster of Paris. Additionally, it has also requested the public to avoid firecrackers which cause major health problems and sound pollution.

Officials of various departments attended a meeting held at the board office and stressed on celebrating the festival in a pollution free manner. During the Ganesh Chaturthi every year, the board issues an order against the use of plaster of Paris idols and firecrackers. This year too, the same rules are in place. Anyone making, selling and transporting Ganesh idols out of plaster of Paris will be acting against the law.

License withdrawal

KSPCB has decided to withdraw the licenses of the concerned engaged in making, painting and selling idols made from plaster of Paris. Check posts at the borders have been given the responsibility of stopping entry of banned idols into the state. The board wants local bodies to work in close coordination with the police department to achieve good results. There are plans to give wide publicity to these issues.

Mangaluru District Environment Officer stated in a press release the ill-effects of immersing idols made from plaster of Paris and painted idols in lakes and other water sources. He instructed the organizations conducting public Ganesh Visarjan to clean the area immediately after the completion of the celebration. He requested the local bodies to take necessary steps to clean the public places post the conclusion of the festive celebrations which convert public places into temporary dump yards.