The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sought recommendations from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) on alternatives for Plaster of Paris (POP) after artisans and Ganpati mandals sought clarity on the guidelines on the utilization of POP for Ganpati idol making, stated reports.
The civic authority has asked both the bodies to submit a comprehensive study report on the eco-friendly material that can be utilized for idol making. According to reports, idol makers and Ganpati mandals are of the opinion that with no other alternative, a ban on POP will adversely affect the lives of idol makers.
Based on accounts, officials elaborated on how they will wait for a report from both bodies. In the meantime, a legal opinion will also be sought from the law department. Therefore, narratives speculate that this means there will be no ban on POP idols.
On Monday, January 17, a meeting was conducted between idol makers, associations of Ganpati mandals, BMC officials, representatives of MPCB and NEERI, spearheaded by Municipal Chief Iqbal Singh Chahal. The meeting looked to discuss problems raised by the idol makers and mandals on the guidelines by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Back in May 2020, the CPCB had banned POP idols that are said to cause water pollution. However, this ban was then postponed for a year since idol makers voices their fear of loss of livelihood owing to it.
Also Read: Mumbai: 2 Out Of The 5 Boys Drowned During Ganpati Immersion Were Rescued
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