Nagpur: As the city gears up for the forthcoming 10-day Ganeshotsav festival, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has launched a concerted effort to ensure eco-friendly celebrations. In a significant move, NMC authorities executed a seizure operation on Monday, confiscating 117 idols crafted from plaster of paris (PoP).
Acting on a tip-off, a vigilant team from the Nuisance and Detection Squad (NDS) conducted an inspection at Hira Shahu Murti Bhandar, located at Bajeria Square. The investigation revealed that the proprietor had amassed a stockpile of Lord Ganesh idols fashioned from PoP material.
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In adherence to their commitment to an environmentally conscious festivity, the NMC has imposed a strict prohibition on the manufacturing, storage, and sale of PoP idols within the city limits. During the operation, the NDS team additionally discovered PoP idols depicting Lord Krishna within the godown premises, which is owned by Prashant Shahu. Subsequently, a fine of Rs 10,000 was levied on the sculptors who were found involved in the sale of PoP idols.
Although the decision to ban PoP idols may have come slightly late, the NMC remains resolute in its determination to enforce the prohibition this year and beyond. Officials from the civic body have earnestly appealed to citizens to refrain from purchasing idols made from PoP, emphasizing their adverse environmental impact.
The operation was executed by a proficient NDS team under the leadership of Sanjay Khandare, assisted by API Mahendra Ambhore and their respective teams. Notably, two sculptors, Suresh Pathak and Chandan Prajapati, were present during the workshop raid.
Supervising the operation were Rohidas Rathod, Incharge of the Cleanliness Department in the Gandhibagh Zone, along with Suresh Khare, Navkisan Shende, and Lokesh Basalwar. Additionally, NMC, in collaboration with the city police, has established joint teams to prevent the entry of PoP idols into the city, further underscoring their commitment to an eco-friendly celebration.
