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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Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for TN
Gobichettipalayam (PTI): Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.
"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.
With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.
Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.
The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.
"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".
Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes.
