Belagavi : Despite restrictions on plaster of paris (PoP) Ganesha idols, the banned idols continue to dominate the festive market in Belagavi. Large quantities are reportedly being transported from neighbouring Maharashtra and sold across the district, even as local manufacturing remains restricted.
Along with household idols, giant Ganesha idols measuring up to 30 feet are being transported on highways ahead of the festival. around 90% of sales still comprise PoP idols, he claimed While clay idols are available. More than 1,000 Ganesha idols will be installed within city limits this year, according to Belagavi City police.
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Social activist Santosh Dharekar said PoP idols continue to enjoy strong demand as they are lighter, more attractive and cheaper than clay idols. “Last year, idols immersed in ponds near Kapileshwar Temple had not dissolved even after 10 months, creating a major challenge for civic authorities,” he said. Artisan Shailendra Chitragar said north Karnataka, particularly Belagavi, remains a major market for PoP idols. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan said authorities would seek reports from police officials regarding the supply of PoP idols from Maharashtra and initiate appropriate action.
Environmentalists argue that efforts to curb pollution will fail if authorities focus only on local production while allowing unrestricted inflow of PoP idols from outside the state. They are also easier to transport and less prone to damage, making them the preferred choice for both households and public Ganesh mandals. He alleged that PoP idol production in Belagavi has not stopped completely and that enforcement by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and district administration remains inadequate. Environmentalist Prashant Burge warned that PoP idols pollute water bodies, deplete oxygen levels and release harmful chemicals through synthetic paints. Since they do not dissolve easily, they often remain in lakes and ponds for months, affecting aquatic ecosystems. Meanwhile, Nandagad village in Khanapur taluk has been following the ‘One Village, One Ganesh’ model for the past three years, promoting collective celebrations. Download the TOI App.