Bengaluru, August 6, 2026: Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has directed all Gram Panchayats to allow only eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols during the Ganesh festival on September 14.
The minister issued written instructions to the department secretary. He asked local bodies to discourage the use of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols and idols painted with chemical colours. Instead, people should be encouraged to worship and immerse natural clay Ganesh and Gauri idols.
Strict Action Against POP Idols
Meanwhile, Khandre instructed officials to stop the manufacturing, storage, transport and sale of banned POP Ganesh idols. He also asked Gram Panchayats to work with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board to ensure effective enforcement. In addition, Panchayats have been directed to create public awareness about the environmental risks of POP idols before the festival begins.
Why POP Idols Are Harmful: According to the minister, POP idols are made using calcium sulphate hemihydrate and often contain harmful substances such as sulphur, gypsum and magnesium. Furthermore, they are usually coated with chemical paints containing mercury, cadmium, lead and carbon, which can seriously damage the environment.
When these idols are immersed in lakes, rivers, ponds and wells, the heavy metals dissolve into the water. As a result, they pollute water bodies, affect human and animal health, and threaten aquatic life.
Ban Already in Force
Khandre reminded officials that the immersion of POP idols in any water body is prohibited under Section 33(A) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Moreover, the Karnataka Government had already issued an order on September 15, 2023, banning the manufacture, transport, sale and immersion of POP idols. The Karnataka High Court has also directed authorities to implement the ban strictly.
Therefore, the minister instructed all Gram Panchayats to protect water sources and ensure that only eco-friendly clay idols are used during this year's Ganesh festival.
Keywords
POP Ganesh Idols Ban Karnataka, POP Ganesh idols ban, Karnataka Ganesh festival 2026, Clay Ganesh idols, Eshwar Khandre, Gram Panchayat Ganesh rules, Eco-friendly Ganesh idols