Karnataka directs gram panchayats to permit only eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols

Karnataka directs gram panchayats to permit only eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug. 6, 2026: Ahead of the Ganesh festival on September 14, the Karnataka government has directed all gram panchayats to permit only eco-friendly, unpainted clay Gauri and Ganesh idols for installation and immersion within their limits.

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre issued the directive in a written communication to the department secretary, instructing officials to strictly prohibit the installation and immersion of banned Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols coated with chemical paints.

The minister urged authorities to promote the use of clay idols to protect water bodies and the environment. He also directed gram panchayats to take all necessary steps to ensure effective implementation of the ban on PoP idols.

Khandre instructed officials to crack down on the manufacture, stocking, transportation and sale of PoP Ganesh idols well before the festival to avoid any inconvenience or controversy during the celebrations. He also asked the department to seek the support of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and organise awareness campaigns at the panchayat level on the environmental hazards posed by PoP idols.

Explaining the risks, Khandre said PoP idols are made from calcium sulphate hemihydrate and contain materials such as sulphur, pigments, gypsum and magnesium. The chemical paints used on these idols often contain toxic heavy metals, including mercury, cadmium and lead, which can severely pollute water bodies.

He noted that immersion of PoP idols in rivers, lakes, ponds, wells and other water bodies releases these harmful substances into the water, posing serious threats to aquatic life as well as human and animal health.

Referring to Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Khandre said the immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies has been prohibited across the state.

The minister also pointed out that the Karnataka government had issued an order on September 15, 2023, banning the manufacture, transportation, sale and immersion of environmentally harmful PoP idols. He added that the Karnataka High Court has directed authorities to strictly enforce the order.

Khandre instructed all gram panchayats to ensure full compliance with the ban and take proactive measures to safeguard the state’s water resources and environment.