Reddy flagged Bengaluru’s sewage treatment gaps, ordered plant repairs, and gave apartments 15 days to restore non-functional treatment systems
Karnataka tightens ban on POP Ganesh idols
BENGALURU
With the Gauri Ganesh festival approaching, the Karnataka government has stepped up action against the manufacture, storage, transport and sale of Plaster of Paris (POP) Ganesh idols.
Forest, Biology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy said on Monday that the state has a complete ban on making and storing POP idols. He warned that violators will face seizure of idols, fines and criminal cases.
Speaking after a meeting with officials at the Environmental Pollution Control office in Bengaluru, Reddy directed authorities to identify units producing banned single-use plastic items and immediately stop their operations. Officials were asked to prepare lists of violating units and issue notices. The minister also sought BESCOM data on electricity connections and usage to help identify plastic manufacturing units. He asked the police department to support strict enforcement of the POP idol and single-use plastic bans.
Reddy also raised concerns over sewage treatment in Bengaluru. About 1,800 million litres of wastewater is reportedly discharged under the Bangalore Water Board’s jurisdiction every day, while around 1,200 million litres is treated. The minister said some treatment plants are not functioning properly and directed officials to issue notices and ensure immediate repairs. Apartment complexes with non-functioning sewage treatment plants will be given 15 days to make them operational, failing which legal action will follow.
The minister further ordered inspections of industries located along rivers and riverbanks under the National River Conservation Project. Units releasing untreated or poorly treated industrial wastewater into water bodies will face notices and action. He said industries that fail to install pollution-control measures within the given period could be shut down, with their electricity connections disconnected. Efforts under the National Clean Air Programme will also be extended to industrial and highly polluted areas.
Reddy directed officials to act against violations of noise pollution rules and ensure that prescribed sound limits are followed. He also called for action against unnecessary vehicle honking. With festival preparations underway, the government has made it clear that environmental rules will be enforced strictly. Officials will now be expected to monitor violations closely and take timely action to protect public health and the environment.