The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa was celebrated with enthusiasm, with devotees insisting on bringing home attractive idols of Lord Ganesh. While the tradition of worshipping large idols continues, many families prefer lighter and more visually appealing idols made of plaster of Paris (POP).
However, despite a government ban on POP idols, these idols continue to make their way into Goa. They are worshipped during the festival and later immersed, in violation of the rules. Eight days after the immersion of the eleven-day Ganesh idols, several POP idols remain in dilapidated condition at immersion sites. In contrast, clay and shadu clay idols have fully dissolved in the water, merging naturally with the soil.
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This year, the government had announced a strict policy against the use of POP idols, but the evidence at immersion sites reveals limited enforcement of these measures. Environmentalists have long warned that POP idols cause significant water pollution and damage to aquatic life, strengthening calls for stricter checks and greater awareness among devotees.
