Goa mandates registration of Ganesh idol vendors ahead of festival, clamps down on PoP idols.

PANAJI: Ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the Goa government has tightened regulations on the sale of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, making it mandatory for all idol vendors to register by July 15. The Director of Environment has warned that vendors failing to comply will not be permitted to sell or import idols in the State.Under directives issued through the Environment (Protection) Act, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has been tasked with developing and maintaining an online registration portal. This portal will be accessible to authorities and the public, ensuring transparency and monitoring of vendors. From 2026 onwards, only registered vendors will be allowed to operate.The move, following guidelines from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), aims to reduce environmental harm caused by PoP idols and encourage eco-friendly alternatives during one of Goa’s largest festivals.Vendors must declare that idols are made from clay, chikan mati, or shadu mati, with PoP content not exceeding 20%. Those found violating the limit will face fines of Rs 25,000, and non-compliant idols must be disposed of at authorised facilities at the vendor’s expense.Authorities have been instructed to conduct joint inspections of idol-making units (chitrashalas) at least a month before Ganesh Chaturthi, along with laboratory testing of samples to verify PoP content. Any violations may result in penalties, registration cancellation, or sealing of units operating without approval.Enforcement responsibilities have been assigned across multiple departments. Excise and Transport authorities must prevent unregistered idol consignments from entering the State, while police will monitor the transportation and sale of idols. Municipalities and panchayats are directed to deny licences to unregistered vendors and ensure only eco-friendly idols are displayed. They must also provide GPS details of immersion sites on the GSPCB portal.District Collectors will oversee overall implementation, including closure of non-compliant units and prosecution under applicable laws, ensuring strict adherence to the new eco-friendly festival regulations.