Pollution board, Palike seize PoP Ganesha idols

Despite the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) seizing plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols, their sale is still rampant.

According to owners of commercial establishments, they are yet to clear their old stock. While some have put up banners about the hazards of PoP idols, many others are making direct sales.

“We have old stock of around 200 PoP idols and we do not know what to do with them. We have kept them on sale, but people are not purchasing them,” said M Sridhar, a seller of Ganesha idols.

“In fact, there are lesser sales of clay idols also. Customers complain that clay ones are fragile and prone to damages. Customers prefer large PoP idols for they look grand and are easy to carry. Those who take the idol for home prefer clay idols,” said Sridhar said.

Similar was the tale of Eshwar, another idol manufacturer and seller.

He said while the government has put restrictions on the usage of colours, the appearance was what matters to customers.

“People are not booking the idols as they do not look appealing. Bright, grand looks sell. But with organic and natural colours, it is difficult to sell large idols. Environmentally conscious customers are still very less,” he added.

Lakshman, KSPCB chairman, told DH: “Last year, they had given an undertaking that they will not indulge in making PoP idols. We had given enough time to commercial establishments and idol makers. So this year, we have decided to take action.”

“Our worry is now how to dispose of the idols scientifically. Though discussions are being held with the BBMP, the onus is on the corporation on how they dispose of the idols. The drive to seize the idols will continue,” Lakshman added.