Despite ban, PoP idols resurface in Bengaluru ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi: Report
Bengaluru: With nearly two months left for Ganesh Chaturthi, banned Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols have made a return to the streets of Bengaluru, raising concerns over environmental compliance and enforcement lapses.
According to a report by Deccan Herald, over 100 idols — many ranging from three to five feet in height — were seen on display at the Venkateshwara Temple premises on Seshadripuram Main Road. Another stall near Kamat Hotel on RV Road had fewer idols, but business was reportedly brisk.
Despite a statewide ban on PoP idols imposed by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) in July 2016, vendors continue to promote them as a preferred option. The Karnataka High Court upheld the ban in January 2017, citing the need to protect waterbodies.
At Seshadripuram, a vendor insisted PoP remained ideal for large idols. "Clay is fine for small ones. PoP idols are cheaper, lighter and do not break easily," DH quoted him as saying.
Both sellers and buyers reportedly appeared uneasy when questioned about the ban. One vendor justified his products by pointing to the use of non-toxic colours and claimed their idols were of better quality than cheaper alternatives found elsewhere, such as on RV Road.
PoP does not dissolve easily in water and can affect water’s alkalinity, turbidity, hardness, suspended solids and oxygen demand. These changes can severely degrade water quality during idol immersion rituals.
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M'luru: School physical education teacher’s body found under mysterious circumstances in well
Ullal: The body of a 51-year-old physical education teacher was found in a well at his residence in Kondana, under the limits of Kotekar town, on Friday evening.
The deceased has been identified as Prabhakar Jogi, who was serving as a physical education teacher at the Government School in Kallarakodi, Naringana village. Police suspect that he may have died by suicide, allegedly due to health-related issues.
According to police, Prabhakar had dropped his daughter at Uchila School earlier in the day for the school anniversary programme and returned home.
He was later preparing to attend the same event along with his wife and son, when he suddenly went missing. A search was launched by family members, following which his body was found in the well located at his house.
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Police said that Prabhakar Jogi was reportedly suffering from a neurological disorder. He had served in several schools across Ullal taluk and was actively involved in organisations of physical education teachers.
Ullal police visited the spot, conducted an inspection and sent the body for post-mortem examination.
In his complaint to the police, Prabhakar’s son, Sai Tejas, stated that his father had jumped into the well and that there was no suspicion surrounding the death.
Based on the complaint, a case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
