JOIN US The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has banned the immersion of Plaster-of-Paris (POP) and coloured idols in any water body across the state.
A notification banning idols was issued on Thursday as per the National Green Tribunal order. Studies conducted by the Board have also shown that the water quality in the lakes is affected because of the immersion of POP or coloured idols, said KSPCB Chairman Lakshman. In the meantime, on Friday, the association of idol makers submitted an appeal to the Board stating that they have already created plaster-of-Paris idols.
Request to Board
The association members requested the Board to permit sales this year, assuring that it will not sell them from the next year. They also urged the KSPCB to ban POP idols coming from other states.
Lakshman said that the KSPCB and BBMP officials will jointly inspect and assess the number of POP idols made in the city.
A similar survey will be conducted with the help of the local bodies across the state, after which, the decision to allow their sale and scientific disposal will be decided.