Hubbali , 20 August (H.S.): The Dharwad district administration has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, storage and use of Ganesh idols made from plaster of Paris and other chemically treated materials ahead of the Gowri-Ganesh festival.

Deputy Commissioner Snehal R. has instructed officials to intensify enforcement across the district, conduct surprise inspections and seize prohibited idols found at manufacturing units, shops, warehouses or festival venues. Traders violating the order will face penalties, while vendors have been directed to sell only eco-friendly idols made of natural clay.

The administration has also prohibited DJ sound systems during festival celebrations. Equipment operated in violation of prescribed noise limits will be confiscated, and organisers or operators may be fined up to ₹1 lakh.

Snehal issued the directions at a review meeting in Hubballi convened to assess measures against PoP idols and discuss safety precautions concerning green crackers.

She said high-volume DJ music caused serious inconvenience to senior citizens, children, pregnant women and people with health conditions. Festival committees should instead encourage traditional cultural performances, including Dollu Kunitha, Hejje Mela and Karadi Majalu, which would preserve the celebratory atmosphere without creating excessive noise.

Officials from departments concerned were asked to coordinate enforcement and ensure that the restrictions were followed throughout urban and rural areas. The administration will closely monitor markets and locations where idols are commonly produced or stocked.

Appealing for public cooperation, Snehal said religious celebrations represented cultural pride but must not harm the environment or disturb local communities. She urged residents and festival organisers to choose idols fashioned from natural clay and painted with non-toxic, water-soluble colours.

Such idols dissolve more easily during immersion and help reduce contamination of lakes, tanks and other water bodies. The administration said strict action would be initiated against anyone found disregarding environmental and noise-control regulations during the festival.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman