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Karnataka struggles with disposal of seized PoP Ganesha idols
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Karnataka struggles with disposal of seized PoP Ganesha idols
Karnataka seized over 3,000 PoP Ganesha idols, but the State Pollution Control Board is unsure how to dispose of them safely.
Why it matters: factual, Prelims-type; Karnataka-specific
What you need to know
2 min read
Karnataka authorities seized over 3,000 idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) ahead of Ganesha immersions, but the State Pollution Control Board remains unsure how to dispose of them.
PoP idols are discouraged under Central Pollution Control Board guidelines because they are non-biodegradable and often coated with toxic, heavy-metal-based paints.
Their immersion in water bodies causes lasting pollution.
Sources: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
Key facts
Remember these
- Ganesha idols
- Plaster of Paris
- KSPCB
- pollution
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- Ganesha idols, Plaster of Paris, KSPCB, pollution
Mains
Use as an example in KPSC answers (Paper II - Environment & ecology).
Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
Idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP), such as those recently seized in large numbers in Karnataka ahead of Ganesha immersions, are discouraged mainly because they:
- Are non-biodegradable and often carry toxic paints
- Are too heavy to transport
- Cost more than clay idols
- Are banned under the Wildlife (Protection) Act
Show answer
Answer: A — Central Pollution Control Board guidelines discourage PoP idols because they are non-biodegradable and typically coated with heavy-metal-based paints that pollute water bodies on immersion.
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