Hubballi: In a major crackdown ahead of the Ganesha festival, civic and district authorities have seized 51 environmentally harmful plaster of paris (PoP) Ganesha idols across the twin cities.With the festival just two days away, officials have stepped up inspections at storage facilities and temporary vending points to curb the illegal sale of banned idols. Despite a Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) notification issued in July 2016 prohibiting the manufacture, sale, transport, installation and immersion of PoP idols, the illegal trade continues to thrive.To enforce the ban strictly, Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has deployed 12 dedicated inspection teams, each led by a zonal assistant commissioner, to conduct raids across all zones. Acting on specific information, officials recently raided locations where idols were being manufactured and sold. During inspections on Tikare Road in HDMC Zone 3, authorities found PoP idols on sale and seized 51 idols.HDMC superintending engineer Vijaykumar R told TOI that officials began inspections after receiving information about the sale of PoP idols. “Teams inspected several locations and seized 51 idols. The drive will continue till Monday,” he said. He noted that the government had banned PoP idols to prevent water pollution and protect aquatic ecology during Ganesh festivities. The prohibition also covers idols coated with heavy metal-based paints that are harmful to water bodies. Inspection teams have been tasked with monitoring markets and production units, while zonal assistant commissioners are conducting regular checks.Santosh Yarangalli, executive engineer in HDMC’s solid waste management department, said environmental staff are continuing searches for PoP idols in all zones. The seized idols were confiscated with the assistance of HDMC workers.Shantaraj Pol, vice-president of Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Samitigala Mahamandal, welcomed the action but said raids should have begun much earlier. He said the organisation had repeatedly urged authorities to act at least six months before the festival. “PoP idols must be completely eliminated. Many traders bring them into the market ahead of the festival, so enforcement agencies need to be proactive. The supply chain itself must be dismantled and strict action taken against offenders,” he said.
