MARGAO: In an order issued by Margao Municipal Council Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes, the municipal inspectors are directed to conduct raids on all the establishments selling plaster of paris (PoP) idols of the Lord Ganesh in order to have environment-friendly Chaturthi.
Agnelo on Monday issued the said order and warned that if any establishment is found displaying or selling such PoPs made idols their establishment will be closed and the licence will be confiscated.
“The establishments selling PoP idols of Lord Ganesha and mandaps displaying the same will be liable for action under Indian Penal Code”, said Agnelo.
He further appealed to all the sarvajanik mandals to cooperate to celebrate environment-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi.
“Use of plastic should be totally avoided instead cloth bags/paper and patravallis should be used to distribute Prasad and serve food including making decorations”, he stated.
Chief officer has further said that all shop keepers/stalls who take temporary licences are also directed not to sell Chinese-made firecrackers as firecrackers emit pollution which is also banned under the Noise Pollution Act.
“Lets us celebrate Lord Ganesha festival without causing any harm to our environment, the flora, fauna and our fellow brethren”, said Agnelo.
In his order, he mentioned that it is brought to his notice that POP idols are brought from the neighbouring States during the annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which is banned by law. The idols, when immersed in water, cause harmful effects to aquatic and marine life, and in turn, causes harmful effects if such aquatic/marine life is consumed by human beings.
“Hence the import of the POP idols during Ganesh Chaturthi is banned and sale of such POP in the jurisdiction of MMC is illegal and those found will be seriously dealt with”, said CO.
MMC warns shops not to sell PoP Ganesh idols
