No PoP Idols: Bengaluru Tightens Rules Ahead of Gauri-Ganesha Festival

Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Sunday appealed to citizens, particularly the youth, to celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi peacefully and in an environment-friendly manner, urging them to avoid idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP).

Gowda said the Forest and Environment Minister had already directed that PoP Ganesha idols should not be installed and asked citizens to comply with the instructions. He stressed that traditional celebrations could be conducted using clay idols without harming the city’s water bodies.

“Installing a POP Ganesha idol and performing its Puja is an insult to Ganesha,” Gowda said, arguing that the festival should not lead to environmental damage or pollution of Bengaluru’s remaining lakes and water bodies. He also recalled traditional practices in which children made Ganesha idols using cow dung and Durva grass, encouraging people to return to such eco-friendly methods.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh warned that there would be no scope for PoP idols during the festival and said legal action would be taken against violations. He said organisers must obtain the required permissions before installing idols or conducting processions and strictly follow approved routes and timings.

Police guidelines also require organisers to provide details of the individuals or organisations responsible for celebrations, obtain permission from BESCOM and submit proposed procession routes for police clearance.

Authorities have also imposed restrictions on sound and music. Devotional songs will be allowed during puja but will not be permitted at other times, in accordance with legal provisions.

The police will strengthen coordination with organisers through a volunteer system, requiring them to submit lists of volunteers to help resolve issues during processions.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, along with other departments, has seized more than 1,000 PoP Ganesha idols over the past 15 days and warned against their sale and use. The Gauri-Ganesha festival begins on September 14, with Bengaluru authorities preparing for peaceful and eco-friendly celebrations.