Bengaluru: The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has said strict measures will be taken to ensure that Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Bengaluru don’t add to the damage to environment.
GBA Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao on Tuesday said environmentally harmful materials will not be allowed in making of Ganesh idols under any circumstances.
Speaking to reporters, Maheshwar Rao said “Production and sale of Ganesh idols made with chemical colours, thermocol and plaster of Paris (POP) has been banned. Authorities will take action against manufacturers and sellers who violate rules. Depending on nature of violation offenders can be fined, criminal cases filed and prohibited materials seized.”
The restrictions are meant to prevent pollution during Ganesh idol immersion (in Bengaluru’s lakes and other water bodies). POP idols take a long time to dissolve in water; chemical-based paints and colours can release harmful substances into water bodies; thermocol and other non-biodegradable decorative materials create huge waste and environmental problems after immersion as well.
The GBA is therefore asking people to buy eco-friendly idols and safe immersion methods during the festival. Officials have also planned awareness campaigns to encourage residents to immerse smaller Ganesh idols at home (in buckets or other containers).
The mud left over after home immersion can then be used for gardening or flower pots under the plan. “This will reduce pressure on public immersion facilities,” authorities say, “and encourage residents to adopt environmentally friendly festival practices.”
Special arrangements will be made for the large Ganesh idols which cannot be immersed at home. Locations where large idols can be immersed will be identified and authorities will make arrangements based on needs of different areas. Depending upon location and crowd expected mobile vehicles, temporary tankers drums barricades etc may be used for safe orderly immersion.
Officials will also take preventive measures to avoid pollution of Bengaluru’s lakes and other water bodies during the festival. Arrangements are likely to be made to prevent prohibited materials from entering water bodies; manage waste generated during celebrations etc.
The authorities are also streamlining the permission process for installing Ganesh idols at public places. For every ward a nodal officer will be appointed to coordinate applications and oversee arrangements. Organisers will find it easier to get permissions while all rules applicable would be followed.
A single window system will be used for coordination of permissions from various departments and agencies. The civic administration, police, BESCOM, fire and emergency services and environment department will work together as part of the process. Permission to conduct Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will only be given on the condition that it is in compliance with government regulations and guidelines issued by National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The administration will also keep a check on the use of loudspeakers during the festival. Organisers will have to apply for permission to use sound-amplifying equipment and pay the fee accordingly. Authorities will ensure that rules regarding public celebrations and sound systems are complied with.
Commissioners of respective civic bodies and nodal officers will be monitoring these measures. They will coordinate with different departments, take permissions and ensure that organisers comply with environmental and safety requirements.
These restrictions come at a time when Bengaluru continues to grapple with pollution, waste management and health of its lakes. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on a large scale across the city with thousands of idols placed in homes, residential communities and public spaces. Authorities therefore feel proper idol materials and immersion practices are important to avoid additional environmental stress.
The GBA’s measures are expected to push people towards clay idols, natural colours and other environmentally friendly alternatives. Residents and festival organisers have been asked to follow the rules and work with officials so that celebrations remain safe, responsible and environmentally sustainable.
The administration has also made it clear that violations will not be tolerated (fines, criminal action and seizure of prohibited materials are possibilities), so manufacturers, sellers and organisers should take care when preparing for the festival.
The goal is to balance Bengaluru’s traditional Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations with environmental protection. Eco-friendly idols, home immersion of smaller idols, regulated immersion facilities for larger idols and coordination in permission system are some ways authorities hope to achieve that so devotees can celebrate the festival devotionally but not cause harm to the city environment.
