Mangaluru/Udupi: Authorities in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have urged residents to avoid immersing Ganesha idols coated with chemical paints in natural water sources. They warned that idols made from Plaster of Paris (PoP) with synthetic colours, when immersed in lakes, wells, and ponds, lead to water contamination, alter water quality, and harm wildlife, aquatic species, and public health.
Deputy Commissioners Darshan HV and Swaroopa TK stated that, following Karnataka High Court directions and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) guidelines, immersing PoP or painted Gauri and Ganesha idols in any natural water body across the state is strictly banned. Citizens were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices by installing clay idols instead.
Highlighting the risk of idols being brought from other regions, Udupi DC Swaroopa suggested setting up border checkpoints to intercept PoP idols. She also called for taluk-level vigilance to stop the transport, storage, and sale of such idols, with surprise inspections at manufacturing and retail outlets. Local bodies have been directed to earmark specific zones in lakes and riverbeds for immersing traditional clay idols, along with setting up collection points for flowers and other puja items.
Udupi SP Hariram Shankar added that public Ganesha installations must secure prior permissions from police and civic bodies. Loudspeakers are banned between 10 pm and 6 am, while organisers are advised to install CCTV cameras and adequate lighting at pandals.
KSPCB warned of strict legal action against sellers of PoP idols, reiterating that only idols made from natural materials may be immersed at designated sites.