In a bid to protect natural waterbodies, the Belagavi district administration has enforced an early and strict ban on the production and sale of plaster of paris (PoP) Ganesha idols ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, set to be celebrated in August. The festival, widely observed across Belagavi, sees the installation and immersion of thousands of idols throughout the region.
Citing environmental concerns, officials have instructed artisans to adopt eco-friendly materials and natural colours for idol decoration. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan recently met with local idol makers, urging them to adhere to the directives of the Pollution Control Board.
Subsequently, the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) scheduled a separate meeting with city-based artisans on Thursday to reiterate the guidelines. “The meeting with idol makers is planned for Thursday, after which an official notification regarding the PoP ban will be released,” confirmed BCC environmental engineer Hanumant Kaladagi.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from local craftsmen. The Belgaum Murtikar Sanghatana, an association of idol makers, voiced concern that the administration’s blanket ban fails to consider the specific context of Belagavi. “Here, all Ganesha idols are immersed in artificial tanks, not in natural waterbodies, so there’s no risk of polluting lakes, wells, or streams,” said a member.
The ban poses particular challenges for creating large idols, which are mainly made of PoP. Each year, more than 80 mandals install large-scale idols in public spaces for the 10-day celebration, ending with a grand procession and immersion. Artisans argue that crafting these idols from clay is often impractical due to their heavy weight and tendency to crack—considered inauspicious. In contrast, PoP offers a lighter and more durable alternative.
