Mysuru: With around a fortnight remaining for the Gowri-Ganesha festival, large Ganesha idols displayed at prominent locations across Mysuru have raised concerns over the possible return of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols despite the ban on their use in Karnataka.
Several large, brightly coloured Ganesha idols have appeared at Mathru Mandali Circle on Vontikoppal Road, near Surya Bakery in Hebbal, Agrahara Circle, Nanjumalige and other parts of the city. While smaller idols are yet to become widely available in the market, the large idols are being displayed for associations and organisations that traditionally install them at public pandals.
The sudden appearance of the large idols, some of which have been covered with plastic sheets, has led residents and environmental groups to question whether banned PoP idols are once again entering the market.
PoP idols banned in Karnataka
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) banned the use of PoP for making Ganesha idols in 2016 because of concerns over its impact on the environment and water bodies during immersion.
The Karnataka High Court upheld the ban in January 2017, observing that the restriction would help protect the environment and water bodies.
Since then, awareness campaigns by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), environmental organisations and other groups have contributed to a considerable reduction in the use of PoP idols.
However, the appearance of large idols ahead of this year’s festival has prompted authorities to intensify vigilance and verify the material being used to make them.
Residents raise concerns
Residents have questioned whether some of the large idols being displayed in the city are made from prohibited materials.
Nataraj, a retired teacher, said some of the larger idols are being kept covered with plastic sheets, making it difficult for the public to identify the material used in their construction.
He also alleged that some vendors avoid displaying such idols inside the city and instead store them in godowns on the outskirts.
The concerns have prompted authorities to focus on inspections and testing rather than making assumptions based solely on the appearance or size of the idols.
Vendors deny selling PoP idols
Vendors displaying the large idols have denied selling idols made of Plaster of Paris.
One vendor explained that the large idols being brought to Mysuru are made using paper mache rather than PoP. According to the vendor, the material is similar to that used for making Goddess Durga idols for Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata.
The vendor said sculptors from West Bengal travel to Mysuru every year during the Ganesha festival to make such idols.
Paper-mache idols are reportedly preferred by some organisations that install large idols in public pandals because they are considerably lighter than conventional clay idols.
The explanation has added another dimension to the concerns surrounding the large idols, with authorities now expected to verify the material used in their manufacture.
KSPCB plans joint inspections
KSPCB Urban Environment Officer V S Kumar said the board had already written to stakeholders, including the MCC, Police Department and local bodies, asking them to hold a meeting and issue appropriate guidelines.
The objective is to ensure that festival celebrations and idol immersion do not cause environmental damage to water bodies.
Kumar said the Additional Deputy Commissioner has convened a meeting for next week. Following the meeting, KSPCB and MCC personnel will conduct joint inspections in the city.
If an idol is found to violate the prescribed norms, officials will seize it and send it for testing. Further action will be taken based on the findings.
Kumar also appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the authorities and avoid purchasing PoP idols.
He urged residents to opt for smaller idols made from environmentally friendly materials and use eco-friendly colours.
MCC begins festival inspections
MCC Environment Engineer K S Mruthyunjaya said the civic body, along with KSPCB officials, has already begun inspections.
The inspection drive started on Monday and will continue until the festival, covering vendors and locations where Ganesha idols are being sold or displayed.
Vendors found violating the prescribed norms will be issued notices and further action will be initiated, officials said.
The MCC is also planning awareness programmes aimed at encouraging the use of environmentally friendly idols. Workshops on making and using eco-friendly Ganesha idols will be organised for school students and members of the public next week.
The initiative is intended to encourage people to choose materials that are safer for water bodies during idol immersion.
Students learn to make clay idols
As part of efforts to promote environmentally friendly celebrations, Parisarakkaagi Naavu organisation conducted a workshop in Mysuru on Monday for students and staff of Mathrumandali Vidyasamsthe.
More than 230 students participated in the workshop, where they were taught to mould Ganesha idols using clay.
Eight sculptors trained the students in making the idols and explained the importance of choosing environmentally friendly materials for festival celebrations.
Parshuramegowda, Ravi Bale, Anjana and Shobha, along with Vidyasamsthe president Vijayalakshmi Urs and PU college principal D Suresh, were present during the programme.
Such initiatives are aimed at shifting public preference towards clay idols and reducing the environmental impact associated with idol immersion.
Public cooperation crucial
With the Gowri-Ganesha festival approaching, authorities face the challenge of ensuring that the ban on PoP idols is effectively implemented while allowing traditional celebrations to continue.
The presence of large idols in different parts of Mysuru has prompted questions, but vendors have maintained that the idols are made from paper mache rather than PoP. The upcoming joint inspections and laboratory testing will help establish whether any prohibited material is being used.
Officials have stressed that public participation is equally important. Choosing clay or other approved eco-friendly idols and colours can help reduce pollution in water bodies during immersion.
The MCC and KSPCB’s inspection drive, combined with awareness programmes and workshops, is expected to strengthen Mysuru’s efforts towards environmentally responsible festival celebrations this year.