Ganesha idols in Karnataka likely to see 20% hike in prices; Here's why
Bengaluru: A shortfall in the supply of high quality clay in the city is expected to cause a 15-20 per cent hike in the price of idols for this year’s Ganesha festival, proving a problem for devotees.
The artists have said that clay, which is used to prepare the idols, is supplied from lakes and riverbeds in and around Bengaluru and Bengaluru South (Ramanagara) districts has become highly expensive. They have also attributed this to the rivers and lakes filling up to at least 50 per cent of their capacity as a result of the heavy rainfall so far, Times of India has reported.
Explaining that they used to get quality clay during an ebb in the water levels of rivers and lakes, an idol maker from Tumakuru, Suresh, said that they are unable to do so this year as the water bodies still contain a considerable amount of water. He added that they are now getting clay supplies from other places like Hoskote, Bagaluru, Malur and Kannur.
Further, the idol makers have been looking for sources outside Karnataka to get the raw material. Shivanand, another idol maker, said that they are forced to do so since the local clay is of poor quality, which might also result in the idols developing cracks once the clay dries.
Shivanand said that they have ordered for clay from the Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal., which is of high quality, and the artists are also assured that the quality of the idols is good.
Referring to the use of the clay from UP and West Bengal, he said that the idols are first made with local clay and paddy husk and then coated with the clay from the Gangetic plains.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
