Keep Ganesha short at 4 ft.: MCC

Mysuru: Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) is taking all steps to make Ganesha festival an environmental-friendly one this year. As a first step, it has announced that Ganesha idols with more than four feet in height and made of paper moulds will be banned in city limits. The idols less than three to four feet in height and made of clay only will be allowed to be installed.

MCC Commissioner K. H. Jagadeesha clearly stated this at a meeting of the manufacturers and sellers of Ganesha idols held at the MCC premises this morning.

“We will not compromise on this at all. Even toxic paints cannot be used as this will cause environmental harm. Hence, every one of you must cooperate since it is in the interest of protecting the environment. Otherwise stringent action will be taken against those who violate the rules,” he said.

He said that the MCC has decided to take a firm stand on pollution-free Ganesha festival as the city has to maintain its top Swachh city tag.

Manufacturers demand non-toxic paint

The manufacturers and sellers of Ganesh idols raised objections that if they are not allowed to use paints then it will be difficult for them to sell the idols. Since Ganesha idols made out of clay only is allowed, the customers will not buy the idols once the lappa (knifing paste) is pasted to cover the cracks. Hence, it has to be painted to cover it.

As there was strict enforcement of use of non-toxic paints, they demanded that the Corporation should itself provide such paints for them to use.

The Officials from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), who were also present, assured them that they would provide such paints but warned that if they mixed it with chemicals and were found out during the raids, then stringent action would be taken against them.