Dharwad: Deputy Commissioner S B Bommanahalli clarified that the district administration was firm on its decision to ban Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) and chemical colours as per the order of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), while civic bodies were given the power to implement the ban in a full-fledged manner.
Presiding over a meeting of idol makers, representatives of Ganeshotsava Samitis and officials in Dharwad, DC sought the cooperation of all in avoiding PoP idols which pollute water bodies, saying that the ban was not at all aimed at opposing or prohibiting any religious ritual.
Hubballi Ganesh Murthy Sthapakara Mahasabha Convener Manoj Hangal feared that the ban on PoP idols would hamper the grandeur of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the twin cities.
PoP idols can be immersed in unused wells, and later, they can be used for construction or other works. Permission should be given to install at least 40 percent PoP idols, he demanded.
After consulting Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) Commissioner Maj (Retd) Siddhalingayya Hiremath and KSPCB officer Vijaykumar Kadakbhavi, DC S B Bommanahalli stated that a meeting with people’s representatives would be held on the issue of PoP idol installation.
