Mumbai: Need 2,700 tonnes of clay for city idols, say sculptors

While the state government has mandated that household Ganesh idols should be made only from non-Plaster of Paris (POP) materials, there is a requirement of 2,700 tonnes of clay to prepare around two lakh household idols. Sculptors have demanded that the civic body control the influx of idols made from POP from outside Mumbai. In response to the government order, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made it compulsory to use non-POP materials for household Ganesh idols below four feet in height. According to BMC records, around two lakh household idols are immersed in Mumbai.

Vasant Raje, president of Mumbai Murtikar Sanghatna, stated that it is possible to produce two lakh household idols with clay. "Currently, we have the capacity to prepare 60,000 to 70,000 clay idols. If the civic authorities provide us with a place at government rates, we can produce two lakh idols even this year," he said. Additionally, they have demanded that the BMC regulate the sale of POP idols coming from outside the city.

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Meanwhile, the BMC has decided to seek the assistance of the police in enforcing the rule. "We have a meeting scheduled with the police next week, during which a plan will be formulated for implementation," said a BMC official. The BMC will follow the guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board and take action accordingly. According to Vasant Raje, a minimum of 13 kg of clay is required to prepare a two-foot Ganesh idol. The BMC has made arrangements to provide sculptors with clay (shadu) and a certain amount of clay will be provided free of cost. The civic chief, I S Chahal, has instructed all zone deputy municipal commissioners to arrange for clay from various parts of the state or from other states.