Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Karnataka Minister Urges Eco-Friendly Ganesha Celebrations, Rejects PoP Idols
A minister in Bengaluru asked people to celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi without harming nature.
He said they should not use idols made from Plaster of Paris, or PoP.
These idols can damage water bodies when they are immersed.
He suggested using clay idols instead.
The police said organisers need permission before installing idols or holding processions.
Processions must follow approved routes, timings and sound rules.
Organisers must also give police a list of volunteers to help coordinate events.
The festival is scheduled to begin on September 14.
Krishna Byre Gowda urged people, especially youth, to avoid Plaster of Paris Ganesha idols.
Authorities said PoP idols could damage Bengaluru’s remaining water bodies and pollute the environment.
Police warned of legal action and required permissions for idols, processions and routes.
Organisers must follow procession timings, sound restrictions and provide volunteer details to police.
The Pollution Control Board said more than 1,000 PoP idols were seized in 15 days.
- Who
- Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh and other authorities addressed festival organisers and the public.
- What
- Authorities urged environment-friendly Ganesha celebrations, prohibited PoP idols and announced requirements for permissions, processions, music and volunteers.
- When
- The appeal was reported on September 6; the Gauri-Ganesha festival is scheduled to begin on September 14. The year was not specified.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- To protect Bengaluru’s water bodies, reduce pollution and ensure peaceful, orderly celebrations.
- Festival
- The Gauri-Ganesha festival begins on September 14.
- Preferred idols
- Authorities encouraged people to use clay idols and avoid Plaster of Paris idols.
- PoP enforcement
- More than 1,000 PoP Ganesha idols were seized over the previous 15 days.
- Permissions
- Organisers must obtain prior police permission for installing idols and holding processions.
- Procession rules
- Organisers must follow police-approved timings and routes and obtain necessary departmental permissions.
- Sound restrictions
- Devotional songs and music are permitted during puja but prohibited at other times, according to the guidelines.
- Volunteer system
- Organisers must provide police with a list of volunteers to improve coordination.
