DC Orders Strict Checks, Awareness Drives in Vijayapura

Local bodies have been told to hold meetings with idol makers

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Bidar

DEPUTY Commissioner Dr Anand K has directed officials to intensify awareness campaigns on the ban of Ganesh idols made from Plaster of Paris (PoP) and chemical materials and to promote the use of eco-friendly clay idols during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations across the district.

In a press release, he instructed taluk-level awareness drives against the installation, production, sale and storage of PoP idols, citing their environmental hazards. Local bodies have been told to hold meetings with idol makers and Ganesh Maha Mandals to inform them about the ban and encourage eco-friendly practices.

He stressed that public awareness should be spread through the media on celebrating eco-friendly festivals, using clay idols, and avoiding the disposal of flowers, clothes, plastic garlands, pearls, decorative items and other solid waste with idols. Business licences for manufacturing and selling PoP or chemically painted idols should be denied or withdrawn, with legal action taken against unauthorised sellers.