POP Idol Ban In Pune: PMC Issues New Guidelines For Pollution-Free Celebrations
POP Idol Ban In Pune: PMC Issues New Guidelines For Pollution-Free Celebrations ( Representational Image )
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced a complete ban on the manufacturing and immersion of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols, effective from this year’s Ganeshotsav and other festivals. The decision follows a directive from the High Court, which has instructed all civic bodies and district collectors to enforce the Central Pollution Control Board’s revised guidelines under Section 2.
Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. has issued strict orders for compliance, emphasizing that any violation will lead to action under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Despite the state government’s previous ban, some POP idols were still being produced during festival seasons. This year, PMC is determined to implement the rules without exceptions.
PMC Guidelines for Eco-Friendly Celebrations:
- Idols must be crafted from natural, biodegradable materials.
- Immersions should be conducted only in designated artificial ponds or collection centers.
- Only eco-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable colors should be used.
- Jewelry and decorations should be made from dried flowers or other organic materials.
- The use of chemical-based paints and oil paints is strictly prohibited.
- Flower offerings and other materials must be biodegradable, and plastic plates or single-use plastic items are not allowed for food distribution.
The civic body urges residents to cooperate in making upcoming festivals more environmentally friendly and safe for the city’s water bodies.
