The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) has opposed the ban on Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols and has urged the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to adopt a policy focused on the collection, recycling, and reuse of PoP idols.
The umbrella body has also called for a panel involving all stakeholders to make a practical and long-term strategy for managing PoP idols. The committee said environmental protection is important, but decisions related to Ganeshotsav should be taken after consulting all concerned groups.
As per a report by FPJ, BSGSS Chairman Naresh Dahibavkar said there are several alternatives to a complete ban on PoP idols. Meanwhile, the BMC has approved a pilot project aimed at recycling and reusing PoP idol remains collected from immersion ponds after Ganesh Visarjan. The project is expected to process around 10 tonnes of PoP waste and will cost approximately INR 20.44 lakh.
The civic body has selected Akarma Foundation to carry out the project. As per reports, the foundation has handled more than 2,050 tonnes of PoP idol waste in the past. Its previous work and presentation before city authorities played a role in its selection for the pilot initiative.
At the same time, Navi Mumbai is moving ahead with several sustainability initiatives focused on waste recycling, environmental protection, and circular economy practices. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) wants to develop the city as a model “Recycle Hub”.
As part of these efforts, a special meeting was held last Wednesday under the chairmanship of the NMMC commissioner. Environmental experts, researchers, non-governmental organisations, and government officials attended the meeting.
During the meeting, experts from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, presented a pilot project for the recovery and recycling of PoP. They also showcased decentralised waste management techniques and small-scale waste processing technologies.
Representatives of associations of idol-makers also attended the meeting. They agreed to use recycled PoP for manufacturing new idols. Environmental organisation Nuotera also presented a proposal during the meeting. The organisation suggested a model under which recycled PoP can be converted into school furniture such as study tables.
Share
Tweet
