Goa News: Although the Goa government has imposed a ban on the import and sale of Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols in the state for the past few years, the sale of Ganesh idols imported from other states continues in violation of the restrictions.
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has demanded that the government take immediate and effective action to enforce the ban and make Goa free from Plaster of Paris Ganesh idols. The demand was submitted to North Goa District Collector Shri Ankit Yadav (IAS) through a memorandum.
A delegation of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, comprising Anita Naik, Mansi Chopdekar and Rukmini Raikar, was present on the occasion. The Samiti also submitted a similar memorandum to the Deputy Collector of Pernem Taluka.
District Collector Ankit Yadav responded positively to the demand and assured the delegation that necessary measures would be taken to prevent the import of Plaster of Paris Ganesh idols into Goa. He further assured that action would be taken if PoP Ganesh idols are found being sold in the state.
In its memorandum, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has also demanded the promotion of eco-friendly Ganesh idols and the implementation of special schemes to encourage artisans who make idols from Shadu clay. It also called for proper arrangements to ensure that Ganesh idols are immersed in flowing water after the Ganesh festival.
The Samiti further demanded the formation of a special task force comprising officials from the Environment Department, Goa State Pollution Control Board, Excise Department, Commercial Taxes Department and the Police to monitor and control the import and sale of Plaster of Paris Ganesh idols in the state.
