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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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
