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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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
