The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has seized over 3,000 Plaster of Paris Ganesha idols, but officials are struggling to find a sustainable disposal method.

  • Over 3,000 Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols were seized in Bengaluru.
  • The KSPCB is currently without a concrete plan for the disposal of these idols.
  • Experts highlight that toxic paint, rather than just PoP, is the primary environmental threat.

Bengaluru: In a massive crackdown on environmental violators, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), in coordination with municipal officials and police, has seized more than 3,000 Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP). However, this successful enforcement drive has inadvertently led to a logistical nightmare: the authorities are unsure of how to dispose of the massive quantity of seized material.

R. Gokul, Member-Secretary of KSPCB, admitted that the department is still in the process of planning the disposal. He confirmed that godowns containing large numbers of these idols have been completely sealed to prevent them from reaching local sellers. The goal is to disrupt the supply chain, which largely relies on imports from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this shift from public awareness to direct enforcement marks a significant change in environmental policing. By seizing idols before they reach the market, the KSPCB aims to crash the demand for PoP idols. However, if the seized idols are not managed correctly, the government risks creating a secondary waste crisis that could be just as damaging as the immersion itself.

Experts emphasize that the real danger lies not in the PoP itself, but in the toxic chemical paints used to decorate the idols.

V. Ramprasad, co-founder of 'Friends of Lakes' (FoL), suggested a circular economy approach. He noted that since PoP is essentially gypsum when powdered, it could potentially be recycled to provide nutrition to soil. The critical hurdle remains the separation of the toxic paints, which are notorious for contaminating water bodies and harming aquatic life.

Historical Background

For decades, the immersion of Ganesha idols in lakes and rivers has been a major source of pollution in Indian cities. While clay (Shadu mati) idols were traditionally used, the rise of PoP offered a cheaper, more durable alternative for manufacturers. In recent years, government focus has shifted from merely educating the public to actively penalizing the supply of non-biodegradable idols.

Did You Know?: Unlike clay idols that settle at the bottom of lakes, PoP idols are hollow and tend to float, disrupting the natural aquatic ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the paint on PoP idols considered dangerous?
The paints often contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals that leach into the water, poisoning fish and other aquatic organisms.

2. Can the seized idols be recycled?
Yes, experts suggest the PoP can be repurposed as gypsum for soil, provided the toxic paint is effectively removed.