Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/EP)

Udupi, Sep 15: Deputy commissioner Dr Vidya Kumari K paid a visit on Friday, September 15 evening to the Ganesha idol making and marketing unit located in Kadiyali. During her visit, she engaged with the artisans responsible for crafting the idols and inquired about the materials they use. She underscored the importance of using idols without color.

Dr Vidya Kumari K expressed concern about the contamination of water sources due to idols made from plaster of Paris and colored materials. She pointed out that such contamination could introduce lead, chromium, and harmful chemicals into the water, posing risks to birds, aquatic ecosystems, and human health. She stressed the need for immediate legal action if such incidents are discovered, urging the environmental officer to address this issue.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that only idols crafted from mud and devoid of colors should be allowed for immersion in water bodies. She also stressed the importance of preventing trash from being disposed of in water bodies. Dr Vidya Kumari K called on local authorities and gram panchayats to make separate arrangements for the proper immersion of Ganesh idols.

She reiterated that Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations should be conducted in a peaceful, harmonious, and environmentally friendly manner. The inspection was attended by regional environment officer K M Raju, district spokesperson Manjunath B, and other officials.