Over 3,000 PoP Ganesha idols seized, but pollution control board unsure of what to do with them

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), in collaboration with municipal officials and the police, has recently seized over 3,000 Ganesha idols crafted from Plaster of Paris (PoP). This unprecedented action aims to curb pollution caused by these idols as they enter the market. In previous years, the focus was on raising awareness against purchasing PoP idols to prevent waterbody pollution. However, the recent seizure has presented a new challenge of disposal.

R. Gokul, member-secretary of the KSPCB, admitted that plans for disposing of these idols are yet to be formulated. Sealed godowns containing large numbers of idols are one measure taken, but a final decision on the idols' fate remains pending. Gokul highlighted that Karnataka primarily receives idols from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

With a ban in place, manufacturers and buyers are expected to respond by reducing demand. Gokul anticipates a market scarcity or complete absence of PoP idols in the coming year.

V. Ramprasad, co-founder of Friends of Lakes (FoL), proposed recycling the seized idols for alternative uses. Experts involved in waste-processing explained that the harmful element lies not in PoP itself but in the paint applied on the idols. On average, 50 PoP idols generate less than a load of tractor in material, consisting mainly of paper, coir, and other components.

Due to their hollow structure, these idols float on water, unlike clay idols that settle at the lake bed. The powdered PoP, essentially gypsum, can be utilized to enrich the soil. Authorities should recognize the dangerous paint used on PoP idols and devise methods to address this issue.