The ban on Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols is hurting the idol makers as more PoP Ganesh idols are seen in the market this time due to opposition from political parties, organizations and negligence of the local administration.
Mumbai: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has banned the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols of Lord Ganesha. However, due to the opposition from political parties, organizations and the negligence of the local administration, more POP Ganesh idols are seen in the market this time.
Ganesh idols made of plaster of Paris do not dissolve quickly in water, which harms the biodiversity of the sea. To avoid this possible situation, it is being appealed to get a Ganesha idol made of Shadu clay instead of POP. Actually, there is a ban on POP Ganesh idols. However, the local administration did not enforce the ban. Also, the Ganesh idol of 'POP' is also in demand by the citizens as it is lighter in weight, easier to handle and cheaper than the Shadu clay idol. About 80 per cent of the domestic Ganesha idols in the market are made from POP, 15 per cent from Shadu clay and 5 per cent from paper pulp.
"It was difficult to handle Ganesh idols made of PoP. The Ganesha idol made of shadu clay needs to be taken care of. When Ganesh idols are taken out of the city, the idol shakes due to potholes on the road. But the 'POP' Ganesh idol is not being broken. A POP Ganesha idol is lighter in weight and stronger than a Shadu clay idol. Therefore, this time too, citizens are inclined to get Ganesh idols made of PoP. As a result, most of the home-made Ganesh idols in the market are made of PoP, "said Raju Chalke, who sells Ganesh idols in Lalbaug.
Immersion of Ganesha idols made of shadu clay is done properly. Citizens are well aware of this, they prefer to get Ganesha idols made of shadu clay from before.
PoP Ganesh idols are banned. However, the local administration did not enforce the ban. The idol of 'POP' is also in demand by the citizens as it is lighter in weight and cheaper than the idol of Shadu.
"" "Employment will end" ""
Many families are dependent on the business of making homemade Ganesha idols of Plaster of Paris in Mumbai and Konkan. It has been a business for many generations. They earn their livelihood through Ganeshotsav. Therefore, many say that it would not be right to ban the Ganesh idols of 'POP' completely and the employment of the majority of the families will end.