Bengaluru, 6 September

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Sunday appealed to people, particularly the youth, to celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi peacefully and in an environment-friendly manner, while urging them not to use Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols.

He said the Forest and Environment Minister had already directed that PoP Ganesha idols should not be installed and urged people to comply with the instructions.

“Celebrating Ganesha festival is a matter of enthusiasm for all young people. If you want to celebrate Ganesha festival peacefully, we will extend all cooperation to you,” Gowda said.

He said installing PoP idols was against the spirit of the festival as they could damage Bengaluru's remaining water bodies.

Gowda said people could celebrate the festival with clay idols, recalling how children traditionally made Ganesha idols using cow dung and Durva grass.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said there would be no scope for PoP Ganesha idols during the festival and warned of legal action for violations.

The Commissioner said the police would strengthen coordination with organisers through a volunteer system to ensure better coordination during processions.