Kota city police issued a notice on August 4, 2022, directing the artisans of the city to not make the clay idols of Hindu deities more than three feet taller. The notice has been issued for the upcoming festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi, Anant Chaturdashi, and Durga Puja. The notice has imposed a complete ban on the idols made of Plaster of Paris (POP). Along with this, the notice has further stated that the idols who do not comply with the orders will be confiscated by the police.
The notice was issued by the circle inspector of Jawahar Nagar police station of Kota. The notice states:
The idols made for Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja and Anant Chaturdashi are immersed in Chambal river and Kishore Sagar pond. This pollutes the water and poses a threat to aquatic animals as well. If anyone is found making a statue of Plaster of Paris, his statue will be confiscated.
The notice, in the end, states in bold letters that the height of the clay statues shall not exceed 3 feet.
Meanwhile, the notice has enraged the artisans of the city engaged in the task of making idols of Hindu deities for the upcoming festivals. The artisans who have already invested lakhs of rupees in making the idols are worried about the financial loss they will be facing due to this decision of the local administration.
