Hubballi: In a major crackdown ahead of the Ganesha festival, civic and district authorities have seized 51 environmentally harmful plaster of paris (PoP) Ganesha idols across the twin cities.
The drive will continue till Monday,” he said. Santosh Yarangalli, executive engineer in HDMC’s solid waste management department, said environmental staff are continuing searches for PoP idols in all zones. Shantaraj Pol, vice-president of Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Samitigala Mahamandal, welcomed the action but said raids should have begun much earlier. He said the organisation had repeatedly urged authorities to act at least six months before the festival. The supply chain itself must be dismantled and strict action taken against offenders,” he said.
He noted that the government had banned PoP idols to prevent water pollution and protect aquatic ecology during Ganesh festivities. The prohibition also covers idols coated with heavy metal-based paints that are harmful to water bodies. Inspection teams have been tasked with monitoring markets and production units, while zonal assistant commissioners are conducting regular checks. The seized idols were confiscated with the assistance of HDMC workers. “PoP idols must be completely eliminated. Many traders bring them into the market ahead of the festival, so enforcement agencies need to be proactive.