NT Reporter
Panaji
Goa’s Ganesh idol vendor registration portal to track the sale of idols with Plaster-of-Paris (PoP) content went live on Tuesday. The portal is meant for registration of all vendors as well as Goan chitrashalas involved in the making and sale of idols by local artisans.
For registration, users have to visit goaocmms.nic.in, click on the Ganesh idol login, and enter details such as applicant name, mobile number, email ID and location. The portal also requires users to disclose information on PoP content.
PoP idols are banned in the state. However, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), in April, recommended that a 20 per cent PoP limit in idols made out of chikanmati, clay and shadu is permissible. Subsequently, the government asked the pollution board to develop a portal for registration of vendors who intend to sell or import idols for the festival scheduled in September. Only registered vendors will be allowed to trade in Ganesh idols this year.
Earlier, on February 27, the pollution board had written to the government recommending that the state ban on PoP Ganesh idols be relaxed, stating that analysis showed 20 per cent PoP is allowable. The board proposed that idols made with traditional material and PoP content be painted using eco-friendly, water-based, biodegradable and non-toxic natural dyes.
PoP idols are seen in the state during every Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The government stated that chemicals and paints used on PoP idols are highly toxic and that PoP itself is harmful and polluting to the environment.
