As a move to protect water bodies from adverse impact of Plaster of Paris (PoP) (Gypsum plaster) and other such items, the Chhattisgarh Government has directed district Collectors, Commissioners of municipal corporations and chief municipal officers to ensure strict ban on manufacture of idols with Gypsum plaster and synthetic colours.
The Government has also instructed to make sure that idols manufactured with Plaster of Paris and synthetic colours should not be immersed in rivers and other water bodies across the State. It came as a move to protect rivers and water bodies from pollution during immersion rituals of upcoming Ganesh and Durga puja. The Urban Administration and Development Dept has recently issued a circular with the guidelines of National Green Tribunal and National Pollution Control Board (Bhopal) regarding manufacture of idols with synthetic colours and Plaster of Paris.