Bengaluru: POP Ganesha idols banned in public celebrations, committees asked to give undertaking
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre on Thursday said that local bodies across the state have been instructed to obtain a written undertaking from Ganesh Utsav committees that they will not use Plaster of Paris (POP) idols during public celebrations. Permission for setting up pandals will be given only after this undertaking.
Speaking at a press conference at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, the minister said, “Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with devotion, but the festival should not turn into a danger for aquatic life. POP idols do not dissolve in water and release harmful chemicals. The chemical paints used on them contain heavy metals which kill aquatic life. That is why we appeal to the people to worship and immerse only eco-friendly clay idols.”
90% clay idols in coastal districts
Khandre pointed out that in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts, nearly 90% of people use clay idols. “If it is possible there, why not in other districts? Pollution Control Board, district administration, taluk offices and local bodies must create awareness,” he said.
The minister also urged schools and colleges to educate children about worshipping clay idols so that the next generation follows eco-friendly traditions.
Only green crackers allowed during immersion
On the issue of firecrackers during Ganesh visarjan processions, Khandre reminded that as per Supreme Court directions, bursting of crackers must be restricted to 8 pm to 10 pm, and the sound level must not exceed 125 decibels. “Committees and the public should avoid harmful fireworks. Only green crackers should be used,” he stressed.
Ban on single-use plastic
The minister reminded that single-use plastics, which do not dissolve in soil or water and release toxic substances when burnt, are already banned in Karnataka. However, plastic waste is still seen on streets and near water bodies. “Local bodies must act more strictly, and public awareness is also needed,” he said.
Climate change a bigger concern
Khandre also linked the issue to the larger threat of climate change. “All over the world, rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are causing disasters. One month’s rainfall is coming down in a single week, and a week’s rain is falling in a single day. This leads to floods and destruction. Protecting our one and only earth is the responsibility of all of us,” he said.
State Pollution Control Board chairman and MLA P.M. Narendra Swami, along with senior officers from the Forest Department, were also present at the press meet.
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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
