Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Puducherry Bans PoP, Plastic and Thermocol Idols for Vinayagar Chaturthi
Puducherry wants people to celebrate Vinayagar Chaturthi without polluting water.
Idols made from Plaster of Paris, plastic or thermocol are not allowed.
People may use idols made from natural clay or mud instead.
Artisans who make the idols must register with local civic bodies.
Toxic paints and chemical colors are also banned.
Organizers are being asked to use natural colors and decorations.
Food offerings should be served in biodegradable plates and cups.
Flowers and other worship items must be removed and sorted before the idols are immersed.
Puducherry has banned idols made from Plaster of Paris, plastic and thermocol for Vinayagar Chaturthi.
Only idols made from natural clay or mud will be permitted under the new directives.
Artisans and manufacturers must register with civic bodies to demonstrate compliance with environmental standards.
Toxic dyes, synthetic enamels, oil paints and synthetic decorations are prohibited in favor of non-toxic natural alternatives.
Organizers must remove worship materials before immersion and use biodegradable plates, cups and decorations.
- Who
- The Puducherry Pollution Control Committee, artisans, manufacturers, organizers and the public.
- What
- New environmental guidelines ban PoP, plastic and thermocol idols and require eco-friendly materials for celebrations.
- When
- For the upcoming Vinayagar Chaturthi celebrations; the articles do not specify a date.
- Where
- Puducherry, including designated idol-immersion sites and local civic areas.
- Why
- To prevent toxic contamination of water bodies and reduce public health hazards.
- Issuing body
- Puducherry Pollution Control Committee (PPCC)
- Guidance cited
- Guidelines from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Permitted idol materials
- Natural clay and mud
- Banned idol materials
- Plaster of Paris, plastic and thermocol (polystyrene)
- Permitted colors
- Water-based, non-toxic colors made from plant sources or mineral rocks
- Registration requirement
- Artisans and manufacturers must register with civic bodies
- Immersion preparation
- Flowers, leaves and paper decorations must be removed and sorted into color-coded bins
- Biodegradable alternatives
- Areca plates, banana or sal leaves, biodegradable paper cups and straw structures