<p>Dharwad/DHNS: With the Ganesha festival nearing, the district administration has put over a dozen departments on their toes, in a bid to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner.</p><p>Over the years, it has been observed that the PoP idols from neighbouring Maharashtra arrive in the district in a big way. There has been a ban on PoP idols in state and also use of artificial colours, but the idol-makers were accused of hoodwinking the officials and preparing the idols in isolated places.</p><p> However, the district administration has come up with a series of measures this time to see that only clay idols are installed and natural colours are applied.</p><p>Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu stated that under no circumstances, the sale of PoP Ganesha idols be allowed in the district. The officials should conduct surprise raids on workshops and stalls selling Ganesha idols and seize all the PoP idols, she said.</p><p>“Our devotion should not become a threat to the environment. Our worship should not become a curse for the next generation,” she said, urging everyone to act responsibly.</p><p>To prevent POP idols from entering the city and towns from other districts, check-posts must be set up at district and urban borders. These posts should be staffed not only<br>by police but also by officers and staff from other departments. </p><p>Police must not be negligent in inspecting and seizing PoP Ganesha idols. Any police officer found neglecting the rules will face disciplinary action, the DC said.</p><p>She said awareness campaigns are being conducted to ensure that PoP idols are not sold or used by the public in the district. The production and sale of clay Ganesha idols are being encouraged.</p><p>However, if PoP Ganesha idols are seen being sold in any city, taluk, or other areas of the district, environmentally conscious citizens and the public are urged to inform the district administration, taluk offices, or municipal corporation. Helpline centres have been established for this purpose, she informed.</p><p>District and taluk-level task forces have already been formed to curb the transport, storage, and sale of PoP Ganesha idols. These must now operate actively. Officials should conduct unannounced visits to check-posts, warehouses, and sale locations, the DC<br>instructed.</p><p><strong>Firecracker sale</strong></p><p>In view of Ganesha Chaturthi, specific locations have been designated for firecracker sales. Vendors have submitted applications for permission. Tahsildars, along with<br>police and fire department officials, must conduct on-site inspections and take action as<br>per rules. If any damage or mishap occurs, the shop owners will be held directly responsible.</p><p>Action will be taken based on the report submitted by the tahsildar. Kalabhavan in Dharwad and Nehru Maidan in Hubballi have been approved for firecracker sales. In Navalgund, the tahsildar has been directed to identify a suitable location and make recommendations, the DC said.</p><p>The HDMC must approve public installation of Ganesha idols through a single-window system, especially promoting the installation of clay idols, she added.</p>
<p>Dharwad/DHNS: With the Ganesha festival nearing, the district administration has put over a dozen departments on their toes, in a bid to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner.</p><p>Over the years, it has been observed that the PoP idols from neighbouring Maharashtra arrive in the district in a big way. There has been a ban on PoP idols in state and also use of artificial colours, but the idol-makers were accused of hoodwinking the officials and preparing the idols in isolated places.</p><p> However, the district administration has come up with a series of measures this time to see that only clay idols are installed and natural colours are applied.</p><p>Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu stated that under no circumstances, the sale of PoP Ganesha idols be allowed in the district. The officials should conduct surprise raids on workshops and stalls selling Ganesha idols and seize all the PoP idols, she said.</p><p>“Our devotion should not become a threat to the environment. Our worship should not become a curse for the next generation,” she said, urging everyone to act responsibly.</p><p>To prevent POP idols from entering the city and towns from other districts, check-posts must be set up at district and urban borders. These posts should be staffed not only<br>by police but also by officers and staff from other departments. </p><p>Police must not be negligent in inspecting and seizing PoP Ganesha idols. Any police officer found neglecting the rules will face disciplinary action, the DC said.</p><p>She said awareness campaigns are being conducted to ensure that PoP idols are not sold or used by the public in the district. The production and sale of clay Ganesha idols are being encouraged.</p><p>However, if PoP Ganesha idols are seen being sold in any city, taluk, or other areas of the district, environmentally conscious citizens and the public are urged to inform the district administration, taluk offices, or municipal corporation. Helpline centres have been established for this purpose, she informed.</p><p>District and taluk-level task forces have already been formed to curb the transport, storage, and sale of PoP Ganesha idols. These must now operate actively. Officials should conduct unannounced visits to check-posts, warehouses, and sale locations, the DC<br>instructed.</p><p><strong>Firecracker sale</strong></p><p>In view of Ganesha Chaturthi, specific locations have been designated for firecracker sales. Vendors have submitted applications for permission. Tahsildars, along with<br>police and fire department officials, must conduct on-site inspections and take action as<br>per rules. If any damage or mishap occurs, the shop owners will be held directly responsible.</p><p>Action will be taken based on the report submitted by the tahsildar. Kalabhavan in Dharwad and Nehru Maidan in Hubballi have been approved for firecracker sales. In Navalgund, the tahsildar has been directed to identify a suitable location and make recommendations, the DC said.</p><p>The HDMC must approve public installation of Ganesha idols through a single-window system, especially promoting the installation of clay idols, she added.</p>
