GBA Special Commissioner Sushama Godbole
Bengaluru: The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has prohibited the production, storage, sale and immersion of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) and materials containing chemical substances across its jurisdiction for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, with civic commissioners directed to enforce the restrictions and initiate legal action against violators.
FECC Special Commissioner Sushama Godbole issued a circular reiterating the prohibition on Ganesh idols and other idols made using Plaster of Paris, artificial or other non-biodegradable materials and decorated with chemical paints containing heavy metals.
The circular cited the Karnataka government’s September 15, 2023 order prohibiting across the state the use and immersion in water bodies of PoP Ganesh idols decorated with chemical paints containing heavy metals. The order was issued under powers delegated by the Central Government under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, with the objective of preventing pollution of water sources. The restriction also applies to urban local bodies.
The circular also referred to a representation from the Rajajinagar MLA seeking measures to prevent the manufacture and sale of PoP idols in order to protect the environment, particularly water bodies.
The GBA noted that idols worshipped during festivals are extensively immersed every year in lakes, wells and other water sources within its jurisdiction. Such idols are often coated with chemical paints containing heavy metals and decorated with artificial materials, and their immersion without adequate care can pollute water and soil and pose a threat to aquatic life.
The circular said preventing environmental damage is a collective responsibility and a priority duty. For Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, the production and sale of Ganesh idols and other idols made of Plaster of Paris, artificial materials or substances that do not biodegrade naturally, particularly those decorated with chemical paints containing heavy metals, have been prohibited. Their immersion in any water source has also been banned.
The circular stated that violation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is a punishable offence. Commissioners of the city corporations under the GBA have been instructed to implement the circular and take legal action against those violating the restrictions.
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