from Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (GA)

Panaji, Aug 29: The State government reiterated its stand to ban manufacture and sale of idols made of plaster of paris (PoP) in the state on Friday August 29.

The state environment minister Aleixo Sequiera, replying during to Bill placed on the floor of the house during ensuing state legislative assembly said that government has already taken steps under Section V of environment protection act to control the sale and manufacture of plaster of paris idols.

The State which will celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi festival during the first week of September will see huge inflow of the PoP idols in the state. These idols have raised environment concerns as the PoP material is not environment-friendly and idols are immersed after the celebrations.

BJP legislator Damodar Naik moved a private members bill "Goa Ban on Immersion of Plaster of Paris Idols Bill, 2008" seeking ban on the immersion on PoP idols in the state.

The minister said that such a bill need not be moved as the ministry has already issued directions to stop the sale at source.

"The officers have already visited five sites and POP idols were found at three places. At one place 76 idols were found and premises was sealed," Sequiera said.