Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has written to South Goa District Collector recommending that a Vasco-based shop be sealed for selling Ganesh idols having 59.82 per cent of Plaster of Paris (PoP) content.
In a letter written to the South Goa District Collector, Dr Shamila Monteiro, Member Secretary, GSPCB, said that the Board had collected the samples of Ganesh idols for verification of material construction and it was found that the sample collected from display from a shop at Rumdawada, Vasco, Mormugao, was having 59.82 per cent content of Plaster of Paris (CaSO4).
She also pointed out that the Board had received letters from the people highlighting sale of PoP idols openly by vendors.
“In view of the notification (Direction issued under Environment (Protection Act) 1986 and addendum to these direction, you are requested to take necessary action in this matter and ensure that the concerned display shop is sealed and no PoP idols are sold,”
the GSPCB said.
It may be noted that dozens of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) immersed after one and a half days were washed ashore at Caranzalem beach on Monday, September 9, 2024, raising concerns over the pollution caused by them which will further affect the fish in the sea.
This happened in spite of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assuring the State Assembly last month that Goa Police will be tasked with monitoring the State borders to prevent the entry of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP).
“I will ask Goa Police to keep a strict vigil on the border areas to ensure that such idols of Plaster of Paris don’t make their way into the State,” the Chief Minister had said.