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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Have no personal involvement in Cong’s action against some minority leaders: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he has no personal involvement in action taken against certain Congress leaders from the minority community following allegations of an internal conspiracy during the recently held Davanagere South bypolls.
He clarified that the decisions were taken by the party high command based on available reports.
Asserting that party discipline is of utmost importance, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, sought to downplay concerns that action against minority leaders may send the message that “Muslims are being targeted.”
“I don’t have any personal involvement in this. Whatever decisions are taken are made by the party leadership. The party has its own reports. Decisions regarding MLAs or MLCs cannot be taken at the state level without instructions from Delhi,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, he added, “People may blame me; I am not concerned. Everyone must function in accordance with party discipline.”
Responding to concerns within sections of the party that recent actions may convey the impression that minority leaders are being targeted, he said the Congress exists for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, backward classes, farmers, and all sections of society.
The Congress has suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar from primary membership and relieved another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, from the post of Chief Minister’s political secretary.
The action followed allegations by a group of Muslim leaders that certain party members conspired to defeat the official candidate in Davanagere South.
Following the action, speculation has emerged that Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan may also face disciplinary measures during the next cabinet reshuffle.
The three leaders had reportedly sought a Muslim candidate for the Davanagere South bypoll ticket, which the party instead allotted to the late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun.
They were also said to have not actively participated in the campaign.
Shivakumar also rejected claims of factionalism within the ruling party amid speculation that leaders close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were being targeted.
Naseer Ahmed and Zameer Ahmed Khan are considered close to the CM.
Rejecting allegations of factionalism within the party, Shivakumar said, “We speak to each other every day. It is the media that creates divisions. Where is my faction? Has anyone put up a board saying they belong to the Siddaramaiah faction? Have I put up any such board?”
“All 139 legislators are my people, and they are all Siddaramaiah’s people as well. Everyone belongs to the Congress,” he added, saying there are no factions within the party and that such claims are media-driven.
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Shivakumar on Friday, a day after expressing concerns that disciplinary action against minority leaders may send the wrong message.
Shivakumar said he discussed with Jarkiholi the need to decongest Bengaluru traffic by diverting vehicles entering the city from state and national highways, along with party-related issues.
“We also discussed political matters in the interest of the party and the need to work together,” he said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Jarkiholi said he discussed with Shivakumar the issue of withdrawing Jabbar’s suspension. He said he will also visit New Delhi next week to meet the high command and discuss state developments.
“Jabbar’s suspension was discussed (with Shivakumar). It should be withdrawn. Let’s issue him a notice and allow him to reply. Then let’s send the report to the high command and seek their approval. High command approval is necessary because the instructions came from there. It may take some time,” he said.
Stating that he met the KPCC chief for “damage control,” the minister said, “We have tried to convince him. Sometimes certain decisions happen that need rectification.”
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