Mysuru: In view of Gowri-Ganesha festival, which falls on Sept. 14, MCC has appealed to the public, idol makers, sellers and Public Pandals to celebrate the fest in an eco-friendly manner, in compliance with the guidelines of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and Directorate of Municipal Administration.

There is a total prohibition on making of Gowri-Ganesha  idols using Plaster of Paris (PoP) and other chemical materials, besides stocking, transporting, exhibiting & selling them. Similarly, idols painted using chemicals, metals and artificial colours are also prohibited from making, selling and transportation. It is permitted to make idols using natural sand or clay, painted with natural colours, besides selling and worshipping them. Public Pandals should take permission from competent authorities and follow the terms and conditions.

The immersion of PoP idols painted with chemical colours, in lakes, rivers or any water bodies or wells is also strictly prohibited. Idols should be immersed only in those places identified by MCC or temporary ponds. Prior to immersion of idols, puja materials like flowers, garlands among others, especially the plastic items must be separated.

Using of single use plastic materials, plastic carry bags, cups, plates, spoons, straws, thermocol decorative items and other banned products is also not allowed. Public Pandals should hand over segregated waste; dry & wet waste and puja materials to door-to-door garbage collecting vehicles of MCC.

A joint team will inspect the idol making units, godowns and make-shift stalls to check whether the guidelines of environmental friendly idols are followed. Any violations will be dealt under The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974, Environmental (Conservation) Act 1986 and relevant Acts and Rules. Idols failing to meet compliant rules, will also be seized.

MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha has urged public to worship only eco-friendly idols and celebrate the fest by protecting water sources and environment.