Over 3,000 PoP Ganesha idols seized, but Pollution Control Board not sure what to do with them

Officials seized Ganesha idols made of plaster of Paris from LN Pura in Bengaluru. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

While the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), in coordination with municipal officials and police, has seized over 3,000 Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP), they have no idea what to do with them.

This is the first time that the department has seized so many idols before they reach the dealers, while in previous years the focus was mainly on creating awareness among people not to buy PoP idols to prevent pollution of water bodies.

However, the drive caused a disposal problem.

Godowns sealed

R. Gokul, member-secretary of KSPCB, said he admitted that they are yet to plan how to deal with these idols. “In places or attics where there are a large number of idols, we have completely sealed them. But for now, we have to hear what to do with them. We will make sure that they do not reach the sellers,” he explained.

Mr. Gokul said Karnataka mainly receives idols from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. “Once we start confiscating idols, producers and buyers will be automatically alerted. This in turn will help us reduce the demand in the market. By next year, PoP idols will be in short supply or not at all,” he said.

V. Ramprasad, co-founder of Friends of Lakes (FoL), suggested that the confiscated idols could be recycled and used for other purposes.

Focus on the color

A construction and demolition waste treatment expert explained that it is not the PoP that is harmful, but the paint used on the idols.

“About 50 idols made of PoP will provide material that is less than one tractor load. These idols will mostly have paper, coir and other materials. Since the idols are hollow, they float on water unlike clay idols that settle at the bottom of the lake. PoP, when powdered, is nothing more than plaster that can be used to provide nutrition to the soil, so the authorities must understand that it is a dangerous soil.” ways to deal with it.”

Published – 12 Sep 2026 21:29 IST