Ganesh Chaturthi: Ban on Immersion of Idols Made with Chemical Paints

Mangaluru, Aug. 11, 2025: As in previous years, the Swarnagowri and Varasiddhi Vinayaka Chaturthi festivals are approaching.

It is seen that devotees install and worship idols made of Plaster of Paris (POP) and painted idols, which are later immersed in lakes, wells, and other natural water sources. This practice contaminates these water bodies, altering their physical and chemical properties, harming the environment, and posing risks to animals, birds, and aquatic life. Contaminated water also endangers public health.

Following High Court orders and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board’s notification to protect natural water sources from pollution caused by festival activities, an official order has been issued prohibiting the immersion of POP and chemically painted Gowri and Ganesha idols in any lakes, wells, ponds, or other water bodies in the state.

To celebrate an eco-friendly Gowri-Ganesha festival and protect natural water resources, the public must follow these guidelines:

1. No trade licenses will be issued to individuals or organisations manufacturing or selling POP idols. Legal action will be taken immediately against unauthorised manufacturing or sale without a license.
2. Immersion of POP or painted idols in rivers, canals, or wells is prohibited. Violators will face appropriate legal action under the Indian Penal Code.
3. Instead of chemically painted idols, idols made from natural materials and coated with natural paints should be installed and immersed only at designated collective immersion sites after worship.
4. During the immersion of clay idols, fresh waste (flowers, fruits, banana stems, mango leaf decorations, etc.) must be separated and disposed of separately, not immersed with idols in mobile tanks or near immersion ponds.
5. Separate vehicles must be arranged for the collection and disposal of fresh waste from clay idol immersion sites.
6. Public Ganesh idols must only be installed after obtaining mandatory permissions from local authorities and the police. Licenses must prohibit the use of plastic, flex banners, and other banned materials, and ban loudspeakers between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
7. Designated water bodies must be fixed for the immersion of public Ganesha idols in each area.
8. Local bodies must inspect and seize POP and painted idols within their jurisdiction.

This order has been issued in the interest of environmental protection, public health, and the ecological balance of Dakshina Kannada district. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board’s environmental officers have urged citizens to cooperate in celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 in an eco-friendly manner.