Strictly enforce ban on PoP Gowri-Ganesha idols: Karnataka minister to local bodies
Bengaluru, Jul 24 (PTI): Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre on Thursday directed local bodies to strictly enforce the ban on the manufacture and sale of Gowri and Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris.
He instructed officials to encourage the stocking, transportation, and sale of eco-friendly, colorless clay idols of Gowri and Ganesha instead of PoP idols coated with chemical paints that are harmful to the environment and water bodies, Khandre said in a press release.
The minister’s directive comes ahead of the Gowri and Ganesha festivals, scheduled for August 26 and 27.
PoP Ganesha idols are made using a powder containing calcium, sulfate, and hemihydrate. They contain hazardous elements including sulfur, phosphorus, gypsum, and magnesium.
"These idols are coated with chemical paints containing mercury, cadmium, lead, and carbon. When immersed in water bodies, the heavy metals dissolve, posing health risks to people and livestock," Khandre said.
He added the environment department has been directed to raise public awareness, as these idols also cause the death of aquatic life.
The minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment noted that a circular prohibiting the manufacture, storage, and sale of PoP Ganesha idols had been issued earlier.
After assuming office, a government order was issued in 2023 reinforcing this ban, which local bodies must implement strictly, the release added.
With a month remaining for the festivals, Khandre instructed officials to take immediate steps to monitor and curb the storage and transportation of PoP idols.
He also directed officials to engage with welfare associations in multi-storied buildings, residential complexes, and local communities to encourage residents to use only eco-friendly Ganesha idols, the release further said.
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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.
