GBA Bans PoP Ganesha Idols and Chemical Paints Ahead of Ganesha Chaturthi

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has issued a call for eco-friendly celebrations ahead of Ganesha Chaturthi, prohibiting the production, sale, and disposal of Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) within its jurisdiction in Bengaluru. The directive also bans idols painted with chemical paints containing heavy metals, as well as those made with artificial or non-biodegradable materials.

According to an official release from the GBA Forest, Environment and Ecology Department, the immersion of such idols in water sources leads to severe environmental degradation. The department emphasized that disposing of PoP idols and non-biodegradable materials in lakes, wells, and other water bodies causes widespread water pollution.

A senior official noted that idols worshipped during festivals and auspicious days are widely immersed in water sources across areas falling under GBA jurisdiction every year. These idols are commonly painted with heavy-metal chemical paints and decorated with artificial materials, and are often immersed without due care and attention.

The department highlighted that these practices harm the environment by polluting both water bodies and surrounding land. In response, the GBA has called on citizens to reject PoP idols and opt for eco-friendly alternatives for the festival.