Coimbatore : Ahead of Vinayagar Chathurthi, volunteers of Kovai Kulangal Padhukaapu Amaippu have petitioned the District Collector to curb the sale of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (POP).
Coimbatore : Ahead of Vinayagar Chathurthi, volunteers of Kovai Kulangal Padhukaapu Amaippu have petitioned the District Collector to curb the sale of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (POP).
Highlighting the plight of water bodies after immersion of idols which are made of non-eco-friendly materials, the NGO appealed to Collector, K. Rajamani to address the issue on priority to save the water bodies from degradation.
"In many areas in the city, idols and statues made of POP are kept for sale for the occasion of Ganesh Chathurthi which is to be celebrated on September 2", they noted.
"Despite strict directions and orders from Madras High Court, many idols are made from plaster of paris and banned chemical colours are used to paint them. Unless, use of such idols are strictly restricted, tons of toxic chemicals would pollute water bodies and cause severe damage to the environment", urged the petitioners.
They pointed that such idols made of banned materials are kept for sale near Sundakkamuthur Pond, near Pooja Marble on Palakkad Road, near Kuniamuthur old police station, Mettupalayam road, N.G.O Colony and many other places in Coimbatore.
"Hence, the Collector should order the officials to seize such idols with immediate effect", they requested.
The Madras high court on August 2017 banned idols made of plaster of paris (POP) and use of high-decibel fireworks in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
The court has ordered the state government to strictly enforce the guidelines and take appropriate steps to regulate the celebrations.
Highlighting the plight of water bodies after immersion of idols which are made of non-eco-friendly materials, the NGO appealed to Collector, K. Rajamani to address the issue on priority to save the water bodies from degradation.
"In many areas in the city, idols and statues made of POP are kept for sale for the occasion of Ganesh Chathurthi which is to be celebrated on September 2", they noted.
"Despite strict directions and orders from Madras High Court, many idols are made from plaster of paris and banned chemical colours are used to paint them. Unless, use of such idols are strictly restricted, tons of toxic chemicals would pollute water bodies and cause severe damage to the environment", urged the petitioners.
They pointed that such idols made of banned materials are kept for sale near Sundakkamuthur Pond, near Pooja Marble on Palakkad Road, near Kuniamuthur old police station, Mettupalayam road, N.G.O Colony and many other places in Coimbatore.
"Hence, the Collector should order the officials to seize such idols with immediate effect", they requested.
The Madras high court on August 2017 banned idols made of plaster of paris (POP) and use of high-decibel fireworks in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
The court has ordered the state government to strictly enforce the guidelines and take appropriate steps to regulate the celebrations.