KSPCB Officials Raid and Seal PoP Ganesha Idol Godown in Dasarahalli

Officials from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) raided and sealed a godown in Dasarahalli on Wednesday after discovering that Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols were allegedly being manufactured on the premises. The enforcement action was carried out amid heightened scrutiny across Bengaluru ahead of the upcoming Ganesha festival.

The KSPCB team inspected the facility following allegations that idol-making operations at the site were directly violating environmental regulations. After inspecting the manufacturing activities and the premises, board officials sealed the godown due to alleged environmental violations linked to PoP idol production.

The Dasarahalli raid took place a day after Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao announced that authorities would not grant permission anywhere in the city for the installation or worship of PoP Ganesha idols.

To prevent environmental pollution and the contamination of water bodies, the Karnataka government has also instructed the Bengaluru City Police to ensure that only eco-friendly idols made from natural clay are allowed in public pandals during the celebrations. The KSPCB communicated these instructions through a formal letter sent to the Commissioner of Police and the Director General and Inspector General of Police.

The regulatory directive followed an August 31 review meeting chaired by Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy. The meeting focused on preparations to ensure the festival is celebrated without harming local water resources and aquatic ecosystems.

During the meeting, the minister stressed the need to prohibit both PoP idols and statues coated with chemical or heavy metal-based paints. Ramalinga Reddy noted that necessary action must be taken to stop such idols from being installed in pandals, while directing officers to ensure that only natural clay idols receive permission alongside public awareness efforts.