KSPCB prepares to check lead pollution

BANGALORE: In its efforts to check lead pollution during the Ganesha Chaturthi festival, Karnataka Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) is mulling over supplying lead-less paints to the Ganesha idol manufacturers in city. KSPCB Chairman AS Sadashivaiah said, “We have invited all the idol manufacturers and many NGOs that are actively involved in fighting against lead pollution in the city for a discussion on Wednesday. Besides educating the people concerned about the harmful effects of lead poisoning, we are providing the details of the companies that manufacture lead-free paints and the places where such paints are sold. At the meeting, we might also explore the possibility of providing lead-free paints to the idol manufacturers at subsidized prices.”Sadashivaiah also said that he has instructed the DCs in each district to hold similar meetings to ensure that the people concerned are educated about the harmful effects of lead contamination.The KSPCB is also providing 11 mobile tankers in the city and two tankers in each district for the purpose of idol immersion to prevent people from immersing Ganesha idols in water bodies. “The law does not ban the use of paints that contain lead. Therefore, we can just request the concerned people not to use the paint that contains lead,” Sadashivaiah added.The KSPCB is also planning to involve NGOs to educate school children  about the harmful effects of lead contamination.