Special Task Force Formed to Curb Sale, Manufacture of PoP Ganesh Idols

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Forest Department has formed special task force teams in nine cities to prevent the manufacture and sale of environmentally harmful Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols ahead of the Ganesh festival, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy said.

The special teams have been constituted in Bengaluru, Ramanagara, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Davanagere, Dharwad, Kalaburagi and Vijayanagara to identify PoP idols, prevent their sale and seize those being manufactured or stocked in violation of government guidelines.

During a special drive conducted between August 18 and September 2, 2026, the teams inspected 153 shops and warehouses and seized 872 PoP Ganesh idols, according to the Forest Department.The Karnataka Government has imposed a ban on the manufacture, transportation, sale and immersion of PoP Ganesh idols in the State as part of measures to protect water bodies and the environment.

Minister Ramalinga Reddy appealed to people to celebrate the festival by choosing clay Ganesh idols and contributing to the protection of the environment and aquatic life. He said biodegradable clay idols help reduce water pollution and waste after immersion and urged people to avoid PoP idols and opt for eco-friendly alternatives.The Forest Department has also stepped up efforts to ensure compliance with the ban during the festival season and prevent the circulation of PoP idols in the market.