Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Karnataka Task Force Targets PoP Ganesh Idols Ahead Festival
Karnataka created special teams to stop the sale and manufacture of Plaster of Paris, or PoP, Ganesh idols.
The state has banned these idols from being made, transported, sold, or immersed.
The teams will look for PoP idols in shops and warehouses.
They can seize idols that break the rules.
From August 18 to September 2, 2026, officials inspected 153 shops and warehouses.
They seized 872 PoP Ganesh idols.
The government says clay idols are safer for water bodies and aquatic life.
It asked people to celebrate with eco-friendly clay idols instead.
The Karnataka Forest Department formed task force teams in nine cities ahead of the Ganesh festival.
The teams will identify, prevent the sale of, and seize Plaster of Paris idols violating government guidelines.
Between August 18 and September 2, 2026, officials inspected 153 shops and warehouses.
Authorities seized 872 Plaster of Paris Ganesh idols during the special drive.
The government urged residents to choose biodegradable clay idols to reduce water pollution and waste.
- Who
- The Karnataka Forest Department, special task force teams, and Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
- What
- The state formed task forces to enforce its ban on the manufacture, transportation, sale, and immersion of PoP Ganesh idols.
- When
- The special drive took place from August 18 to September 2, 2026, ahead of the Ganesh festival.
- Where
- The teams operate in Bengaluru, Ramanagara, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Davanagere, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, and Vijayanagara in Karnataka.
- Why
- The measures aim to protect water bodies, aquatic life, and the environment from pollution and waste.
- State
- Karnataka
- Enforcement agency
- Karnataka Forest Department
- Cities covered
- Nine cities
- Inspection period
- August 18–September 2, 2026
- Shops and warehouses inspected
- 153
- PoP idols seized
- 872
- Preferred alternative
- Biodegradable clay Ganesh idols
