
Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC) is intensifying its crackdown on Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols, which are banned due to their environmental hazards. The Corporation has deployed enforcement teams across Goa’s markets to prevent the sale and distribution of these harmful idols.
Damodar Morajkar, Managing Director of GHRSSIDC, explained that these teams are conducting strict checks to ensure PoP idols do not reach consumers. The ban on PoP idols stems from their negative impact on water bodies and aquatic life during immersion ceremonies.
To promote eco-friendly celebrations, GHRSSIDC is providing ₹200 subsidies to local artisans crafting traditional clay idols. Clay is preferred because it dissolves naturally in water, causing no pollution. The Corporation has also established a dedicated sales center in Panjim for devotees to easily access these sustainable idols.
Morajkar noted that this initiative supports local craftsmen and discourages the import of PoP idols from neighboring states, which tend to saturate Goa’s markets during festivals. This approach reflects Goa’s commitment to environmental protection over recent years.
The state government, partnering with GHRSSIDC, is encouraging devotees to switch to eco-friendly idols through awareness drives, financial support, and convenient sale points. These measures seek to reduce pollution and protect the state’s fragile aquatic ecosystems during Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.