Bengaluru: Every year, Ganesha festival culminates in idol immersion. But what if that final act of devotion marks the beginning of environmental destruction? As Karnataka gears up to celebrate Gauri and Ganesh Chaturthi on Sept 13-14, govt has appealed to devotees to make a simple yet powerful choice — buy eco-friendly clay idols and keep plaster of Paris (POP) ones out of the state’s rivers, lakes and ponds.Ahead of festivities, rural development and panchayat raj minister Eshwar Khandre Thursday directed gram panchayats to ensure only eco-friendly, unpainted clay Gauri and Ganesh idols are installed, worshipped and immersed during celebrations. The minister instructed local bodies to launch extensive public awareness campaigns and take immediate steps to curb manufacture, storage, transport and sale of banned POP idols, with the support of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).The latest appeal comes amid recurring concerns over deterioration of lakes and other water bodies following Ganesh festivities. Explaining the environmental risks, Khandre said most POP idols are made from calcium sulfate hemihydrate and contain hazardous substances such as sulfur, phosphorus, gypsum and magnesium. They are often coated with chemical paints containing mercury, cadmium, lead and carbon. “When these idols are immersed in lakes, rivers, ponds, reservoirs and wells, the toxic metals dissolve into the water, contaminating drinking water sources, harming livestock, killing fish and other aquatic life, and causing long-term ecological damage,” he said.Karnataka govt has prohibited manufacture, transport, sale and immersion of POP idols since Sept 2023, in line with Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. The high court has repeatedly directed authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the ban.
