PANAJI
Taking action ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the Goa government has started a strict drive against banned Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols.
The move comes due to growing concerns about the environment and aims to promote eco-friendly celebrations across the State.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change has put a complete ban on making, importing and selling PoP idols in Goa, keeping in mind public health and the harmful effects on nature.
It has issued clear instructions to different departments, district-level officials and local bodies to stop the making, import and sale of PoP idols immediately.
The Excise Commissioner and Director of Transport have been told to check all vehicles and goods carriers entering Goa for PoP idols.
If any are found, the vehicles must be turned back. If they do not return, the vehicle must be seized and handed over to the police.
The Director General of Police has been asked to tell all police stations to act against offenders caught by the Excise and Transport Departments. If PoP idols are brought in by train, the police must check the goods on arrival and stop them from leaving the railway station.
The Commissioner of Commercial Taxes must ensure that no licenced shop or stall sells PoP idols during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. If they do, their licence will be cancelled.
Local bodies must not give licences to ‘Chitrashallas’ (shops selling idols) that display or sell PoP idols. Each Chitrashalla must give an undertaking that they will not display or sell PoP idols, or their licence will be cancelled.
The Goa State Pollution Control Board will inspect Chitrashallas from August 1 to 14 and take strict action if any rules are broken.
