Banned PoP Ganesha Idols Continue to be Made in Bengaluru Warehouses

Warehouses in Marasandra on Doddatumkur Road in Bengaluru continue to manufacture and sell large Plaster of Paris Ganesha idols despite a decade-old prohibition imposed by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.

Two manufacturing units in the Rajanukunte Police limits—Chandan Clay Arts and Sri Vigneshwara Clay Arts—were found housing approximately 100 PoP idols each. Workers were actively applying finishing touches to the statues. When asked about pricing, a representative from Chandan Clay Arts quoted Rs 1,60,000 for a 12-foot standing PoP Ganesha idol, noting that the price was negotiable but buyers would need to arrange their own transport due to the government ban.

Local residents reported that manufacturing units frequently display boards claiming to produce clay idols while secretly making PoP idols or importing raw materials and idols from neighboring states. Other localities identified as hubs for PoP idol production and trade include Mavalli, Kengeri, Pottery Town, and Thanisandra.

Enforcement of the ban remains fragmented across agencies. When contacted, KSPCB Environmental Engineer for Dasarahalli, Suresh, claimed an official visited Marasandra on Tuesday and saw no PoP idols, but added that a letter had been sent to the jurisdictional tahsildar to take action. However, Hesaraghatta Deputy Tahsildar Ramesh Babu stated that Panchayat Development Officers hold the authority to act against such units.

Meanwhile, the Rajanukunte Police Inspector said a team would be sent to inspect the premises and take action against violators. KSPCB Member Secretary Srinivasulu also assured that the board would look into the violations.

Civic activists and former elected representatives have raised concerns over the environmental impact of these idols during festival immersions. NR Ramesh, former Leader of the Ruling Party in the then BBMP Council, noted that thousands of PoP idols still end up at immersion sites like Yediyur Lake, urging authorities to inspect manufacturing sheds, issue notices, and shut down illegal units.