Workshop to spread awareness about environmental hazards of PoP idols held in Mysuru

A two-day workshop on preparing clay Ganesha idols held in Mysuru on August 22 and 23 sought to create awareness about the environmental hazards of idols made out of plaster of Paris (PoP) and the usage of chemical paints on them.

The workshop, organised jointly by Parisara Balaga; H.V. Rajeev Sneha Balaga; and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Mysuru regional office, at Sri Basaveshwara Yoga Park in Alanahalli was attended by more than 300 students from 12 different schools.

The participants ranged from fourth standard students aged nine, to ninth standard students aged 14.

While four artisans taught the process of making clay Ganesha idols to the students, former Chairman of Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) H.V. Rajeev emphasised the need to celebrate Ganesha festival meaningfully with eco-friendly idols, instead of celebrating it for the sake of pomp, grandeur, and show-off.

Mr. Rajeev said that there was a need for organising more programmes like the workshop on clay idols, so that environmental awareness is created among the students and the public alike.

Parashurame Gowda, a founding member of Parisara Balaga, explained the dangers of immersing Ganesha idols made out of PoP in water. PoP, made by gypsum, contains a chemical called calcium sulfate hemihydrate, and the idols made out of it do not dissolve in water, leading a lot of problems, he said.

The paints used on coloured idols contain harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which contaminate ponds, tanks, streams, rivers, and other water bodies when the idols are immersed, said Mr. Gowda. The polluted water of these bodies becomes harmful for humans as well as animals who consume it, he warned.

The students attending the workshop came from different schools, including four under the JSS Institution; Mahaveer Jain Vidyalaya; Eeshwara Vidyalaya; Government Higher Primary School Alanhalli; Viveka Vidyalaya Alanhalli; SNS School Alanhalli; and Shashwatha School.