The Mysuru district administration has put strict guidelines in place for maintaining the environment, preventing pollution of water and maintaining public order during the Gowri-Ganesha festival. One of the most important things is banning the production, sale and transportation of Ganesh idols in Plaster of Paris and chemical colours with heavy metals.
The administration has asked residents, festival organizers and idol makers to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in an environmentally responsible way. Deputy Commissioner A. Aishwarya said people should opt for clay idols painted in natural colours and that they should be eco-friendly throughout the festival.
The guidelines were discussed at a preparatory meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mysuru. District administration, Mysuru City Corporation and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board discussed measures to minimize environmental damage and ensure the festival activities are conducted peacefully.
Complete ban on PoP and Chemical-Coloured Idols
According to the guidelines, idols made from PoP and painted using chemical colours containing heavy metals will not be allowed. Such idols do not dissolve easily in water and can contribute to pollution when immersed in natural water bodies.
Thus, the administration has prohibited their production, sale and transportation in the district. At border check-posts, officials have also been directed to conduct more inspections to prevent PoP idols from entering Mysuru district from neighbouring states.
Officials will conduct inspections of idol manufacturing units and shops selling Ganesh idols. If violations are detected, the prohibited idols will be seized and penalties imposed under the applicable rules. The government has also instructed officials not to issue trade licences to shops selling banned PoP idols.
Strict rules for Idol Immersion
The district administration has also issued clear instructions about the immersion of Ganesh idols. PoP and chemically painted idols must not be immersed in rivers, lakes, wells or other natural water bodies.
For idols installed in homes, residents are advised to conduct immersion at home in accordance with the prescribed eco-friendly methods. Publicly installed idols should be immersed only in mobile immersion tanks or artificial ponds designated by the municipal authorities.
The intention is to reduce idol immersion’s effect on water quality and prevent harmful materials from entering natural water sources.
Public Ganesh Installations Permission
The organisations and committees wishing to install Ganesh idols in public places need to obtain prior permission from the concerned local authorities and police department.
Within Mysuru City Corporation limits, permission from the corporation will be required. In other areas, the organisers will have to approach the relevant town municipal council or gram panchayat.
If public celebrations are not to block traffic, are unsafe and cause inconvenience to residents and anyone who is otherwise involved with the public, they will not be allowed.
Loudspeakers Banned Between 10 PM and 6 AM
The district administration has imposed time restrictions on loudspeaker use during the festival. Loudspeakers will not be allowed between 10 pm and 6 am.
The Ganesh Chaturthi committees have been instructed to follow the timing restrictions. Loudspeaker use should not disrupt senior citizens, children, students or other members of the public, authorities have said.
The restrictions are aimed at maintaining public order while allowing devotees to celebrate the festival.
Plastic use in Pandals restricted
Festival organisers have been advised to avoid single-use plastic, flex materials and plastic-based decorative items while setting up pandals.
The administration has encouraged committees to use reusable and environmentally friendly materials instead. The focus is on reducing waste generated during public celebrations and ensuring festival decorations do not create additional environmental problems.
Proper disposal of Puja materials
The administration has issued separate instructions regarding the disposal of flowers, fruits, banana stems and other puja materials.
Devotees should not throw such materials into rivers, lakes, wells or other water bodies during idol immersion. Organic waste and other puja materials should be collected separately before immersion and handed over to waste collection vehicles operated by the respective local authorities.
This system is intended to prevent the accumulation of festival waste at immersion sites and improve cleanliness.
Administration to Intensify Inspections
Government departments will work together to enforce the guidelines during the festival period. Inspections will cover border check-posts, idol manufacturing units, retail outlets and designated immersion locations.
The district administration has said that the objective of the regulations is not to prevent people from celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi but to encourage celebrations that are respectful of the environment and public harmony.
Deputy Commissioner A. Aishwarya has appealed to citizens to choose clay Ganesha idols, natural colours and eco-friendly decorations. Festival committees have also been advised to cooperate with officials in this regard and comply with all permission, safety, noise-control and waste-management requirements.
With these measures in mind, Mysuru is preparing for a healthier Gowri-Ganesha festival with responsible celebrations, clean water bodies, proper disposal of waste and peaceful participation by the public.
