MAPUSA
The aftermath of Ganesh Visarjan rituals has left behind a toxic trail on Goa’s beaches, with the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) on Tuesday clearing nearly 60 kg of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idol remnants from Caranzalem beach alone.
Officials said the debris, which had washed ashore after immersion, will be transported to the State’s solid waste management facility at Pissurlem for scientific disposal.
“We have made arrangements to collect and transport such idols to the Pissurlem facility. Our staff will attend to calls from citizens whenever such material is spotted,” the official said.
Similar remnants of PoP idols were also seen at other locations across Goa.
In several places, voluntary groups have stepped in to collect discarded PoP idols as part of ongoing awareness drives highlighting the environmental impact of idol immersions.
Taking a proactive approach, the GSPCB had conducted pre-festival inspections at workshops, Chitrashalas and even households where idols were being crafted.
Several violators were fined and, in some cases, premises were sealed. Laboratory tests carried out on collected samples confirmed the presence of Plaster of Paris, despite restrictions.
The pollution watchdog has repeatedly warned that PoP idols cause long-term water and soil pollution, and continues to urge citizens to opt for eco-friendly clay idols during Ganesh Chaturthi.
