Dharwad
The district administration has established teams to prevent the installation and immersion of Ganesha idols made from Plaster of Paris (PoP) in water bodies. Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu led a meeting with various department officials and emphasized that PoP idols should not be permitted for installation. She stressed the importance of strict guidelines and monitoring to avoid pollution of local tanks due to idol immersion.
Special teams have been created at both the district and taluk levels. These teams will regularly inspect workshops, markets, and temples to ensure that only clay idols, free of artificial colors, are installed.
Divya Prabhu has urged citizens to celebrate the festival responsibly and to avoid using PoP idols. Residents are encouraged to report any instances of PoP idol sales or improper immersion to the authorities. The identity of the informers will be kept confidential. Complaints can be registered by calling 0836-244754, 91410 51611, or 0836-2222603.
In the twin city limits, the teams will be led by Hubli Dharwad Municipal Corporation zonal officials and will include revenue officials, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Commercial Tax officials, environment engineers, and health inspectors. At the taluk level, teams will be led by respective Tahsildars, Executive Officers, Circle Police Inspectors, HESCOM officials, and Panchayat Development Officers. These teams have been authorized to seize PoP idols and file cases against offenders.
