MARGAO
In an effort to celebrate an environment-friendly Ganesh Chathurti, the Margao Municipal Council on Monday decided to ban use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) for making Ganesha idols, with Margao Municipal Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes warning the traders and others with closure of establishments and confiscation of their licenses if they are found displaying or selling idols made from PoPs.
Moreover, all shopkeepers and stall operators who have obtained temporary license have also been directed not to sell Chinese made fire crackers as fire crackers emit smoke pollution which is also banned under the Noise Pollution Act.
Establishments/Chitrashallas displaying and selling PoP-made idols during Ganesh Chatturthi have been warned of action if they fail to adhere to the directions of the authorities. The Chief Officer has directed the Municipal Inspectors to inspect stalls and Mandaps and continue to conduct raids on all such establishments so as to send a strong signal that failure to abide by the norms will invite serious action under the Indian Penal Code.
The MMC CO has requested the Sarvajanik Mandal committees to cooperate in celebrating an environment-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi by avoiding use of plastic. “Instead, cloth bags/paper and patravallis can be used for distribution of prasad and food, including for decorations, etc,” he said
The Chief Officer said these directions are being issued as per provisions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, which imposes a fine of Rs 5000 for each instance. “Let us celebrate Lord Ganesha without causing any harm to our environment, the flora fauna and our fellow brethren”, he appealed.
“It is brought to my notice that Plaster of Paris idols (PoP) are brought from neighbouring states during Ganesh Chaturthi festival which is banned by law. “PoP idols are made from hemi
hydrated calcium sulphate calcination process and such PoP idols when immersed in water does not dissolve or disintegrate fast thereby causing irreversible environmental effects of any water body which in turn causes adverse environmental effects on the lives of human beings. Hence, the import of PoP idols during Ganesh Chatturthi is banned and sale of PoP products in the MMC jurisdiction is illegal and those found will be dealt with seriously”, he warned.
