HUBBALLI: Some sort of confusion was created among people when district in-charge minister Vinay Kulkarni , in a recent peace committee meeting in Dharwad , stated that the authorities should allow plaster of Paris Ganesha idols this time on humanitarian ground . The statement also caused some embarrassment among officials who are involved in creating awareness on clay idols. However, the authorities have reiterated that that there is no question of relaxing the ban.Speaking to TOI, Vijayakumar Kadakbhavi, district environment officer, said, "We have already banned the sale or use PoP idols in the district as per the Supreme Court order. The state pollution control board had issued the ban order, restricting people from using PoP idols. This order is not withdrawn and we will continue to act tough against those who use PoP idols during this Ganesh festival," he clarified.Kadakbhavi said that several meetings have been held with officials of the district administration, HDMC and members of various Ganesh committees in the twin cities to explain them about the ban on PoP idols. "We have been creating awareness about using clay idols instead of PoP idols since six months in the district," he said.Kadakbhavi said that officials will also meet Kulkarni and inform him about the SC order, banning PoP idols. Some idol-makers alleged that politicians are making statements, favouring PoP idols, due to pressure from Ganesha mandals in the city. PoP idols are banned as their immersion is harmful to waterbodies. There has been call for relaxation on the ban as many PoP idols have already been made. Celebrated with pomp and grandeur in the district, the Ganesha festival begins on Friday.

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