Goa, Aug. 23 -- Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC) is intensifying its crackdown on Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols, which are banned due to their environmental hazards. The Corporation has deployed enforcement teams across Goa's markets to prevent the sale and distribution of these harmful idols.

Damodar Morajkar, Managing Director of GHRSSIDC, explained that these teams are conducting strict checks to ensure PoP idols do not reach consumers. The ban on PoP idols stems from their negative impact on water bodies and aquatic life during immersion ceremonies.

To promote eco-friendly celebrations, GHRSSIDC is providing Rs.200 subsidies to local artisans cr...