MAPUSA
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has found violations in the manufacture and sale of Ganesh idols across several talukas, with laboratory tests confirming the presence of Plaster of Paris (PoP) in samples collected from various chitrashallas, shops and artisans.
According to the Board, of the 207 samples collected till August 21, results of 160 have been analysed so far. While 130 idols were found within permissible limits, 24 contained more than 10 per cent calcium sulphate (CaSO4), confirming they were made with PoP and not natural clay as mandated.
Mormugao recorded the highest number of violations with seven idols testing positive for excess PoP, followed by Pernem (4), Curchorem (3), Cuncolim (2) and one each in Panaji, Taleigao, Ponda, Quepem, Sattari, Merces and Old Goa. Results of the remaining 47 samples are awaited, Member Secretary Sanjeev Joglekar said.
The GSPCB, along with deputy collectors of the respective talukas, had carried out surprise inspections in recent weeks, seizing random samples for testing at its laboratory. During the earlier round of checks, PoP idols had already been detected in Tiswadi (2 cases), Quepem (2), Salcete (3), Pernem (4), Mormugao (4), Sattari (1) and Ponda (1).
Officials have now directed concerned authorities to initiate action against violators in line with environmental regulations. The crackdown follows repeated appeals by the Board and environmental groups to discourage PoP idols, which are non-biodegradable and pollute water bodies after immersion.
The GSPCB has reiterated its call for artisans and devotees to adopt eco-friendly clay idols that dissolve naturally in water, preserving Goa’s rivers and lakes from further ecological damage.
