Panaji, Aug 28 (IBNS): The Goa government has issued an advisory against the manufacture, sale and purchase of Lord Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP).

The advisory also bans import of PoP idols to Goa from the neighbouring states.

“It is brought to the notice of the public that sale, manufacturing, transportation and use of Ganesh idols made out of PoP including their entry in the state of Goa is prohibited,” states a press note issued by the directorate of information and publicity on Tuesday.

The press statement has mentioned that PoP idols harm the environment due to its poisonous elements and hence it should not be immersed in any water body.

The government has warned to cancel the licenses of establishments found manufacturing, transporting, stocking and selling or even displaying such idols.

The guilty will be punished under section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986.

"We are making attempts to encourage use of eco-friendly Ganesh statues so that it does not have ill-effects on the environment," an senior government official said.

The Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Goa will begin from September 19.

(Reporting by John Edwards)