GBA Reasserts Ban on PoP Ganesh Idols Ahead of Gowri-Ganesha Festival

The Greater Bengaluru Authority has reiterated a complete ban on the installation and worship of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris across the city ahead of the upcoming Gowri-Ganesha festival, directing citizens to opt strictly for eco-friendly alternatives. GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao announced the directives during a joint Peace and Harmony meeting organised with the Bengaluru City Police at Puttanna Chetty Town Hall on Tuesday.

Rao stated that no permissions will be granted for the installation of PoP idols due to their adverse environmental impact. He noted that the civic body, Bengaluru City Police, and the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company will coordinate closely at the police-station level to ensure peaceful and orderly celebrations throughout Bengaluru.

To facilitate festival arrangements, single-window centres set up across the five GBA corporations will handle applications and issue necessary permissions for public idol installations. Civic authorities have also planned temporary immersion facilities to accommodate immersions safely and sustainably.

Bengaluru City Police outlined guidelines for festival processions, mandating that all rallies adhere strictly to designated routes and pre-approved timings. Police officials warned that stringent action will be taken against regulatory violations and alcohol consumption during the festivities.

In addition to enforcement measures, authorities confirmed that efforts are underway to clear road obstructions and repair streetlights, footpaths, and road surfaces ahead of the festival. During the meeting at Puttanna Chetty Town Hall, participating citizens urged officials to provide additional immersion sites, enforce strict loudspeaker timing limits, implement enhanced safety protocols, and ensure prompt post-festival sanitation.