The numbers were verified by a team comprising officials of the BBMP, idol makers and KSPCB officials. The team had been formed to break the quandary over banning the harmful PoP idols, which raised fears among idol makers of heavy losses. They found that 30,000 idols are on sale in the city while another 70,000 are available in the rest of the State. But, our officials will slap penalties against those who continue to manufacture PoP idols or make paints for them,” said Sarfaraz Khan, Joint commissioner (Health), BBMP, adding that removing idols from the waterbodies immediately after immersion will minimise their adverse environmental effects. KSPCB wants civic body to ensure that they are disposed of in an eco-friendly manner

Source: The Hindu August 24, 2016 06:04 UTC