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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Maoist carrying bounty of Rs 15 lakh among four killed in gunfight with security forces in J’khand
Hazaribag (PTI): Four Maoists, including one carrying a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head, were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district on Friday, police officials said.
The encounter took place in the Khapia forest area within the Keredari police station limits, following a tip-off.
"Four Maoists were killed in a gunfight with joint forces in 'Operation KotiNeer'. The Maoists killed have been identified as regional committee member Sahdeo Maho, carrying a reward of Rs 15 lakh, Ranjit Ganjhu, Zonal committee member, carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh," IG, CRPF, Saket Kumar Singh told mediapersons.
The remaining two are Area Commander Budhan Karmali, carrying a reward of Rs one lakh and sub-zonal committee member Natasha, a woman who hailed from Gadchiroli in Maharashtra.
SDPO of Barkagaon, Pawan Kumar, said that no security personnel were injured in the operation.
The Maoists killed were wanted in about 80 cases.
With the encounter, only 57 Maoists are left in the state, the IG said.
A number of arms were also recovered during the operation including two AK 47 and one INSAS rifles.
The development comes close on the heels of a fierce exchange of fire between a Maoist squad headed by Misir Besra, who carries a bounty of Rs 1 crore, and police personnel on April 15 in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum. Four security personnel were injured in the encounter.
The Centre has already informed the state governments that there are no Naxal violence-affected districts in the country, more than five decades since Left Wing Extremism (LWE) originated in India.
The declaration followed a high-level security review held earlier this month by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the mandated 'National Policy and Action Plan to Address Left Wing Extremism' formulated in 2015.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed Parliament on March 30 that India was free from Maoists.
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