The Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) recently issued an order banning the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) for either making or selling Ganpati, Durga and other such idols in its jurisdiction ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi and Navaratri, reported the Free Press Journal.
This move is reportedly in compliance with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) directive on the ban of PoP for making idols.
In accordance with the KDMC's order, for the first time, idol sellers as well as factory operators will have to sell and make Ganesh idols in the KDMC area with permission from the civic authority. This they believe will ensure that PoP-made idols amongst others will not be utilized in the city during the festivity, the account mentioned.
Further, the narrative remarks that idol makers must curate idols by means of shades, and natural and eco-friendly colours. They hope this will curtail water pollution. The KDMC has reportedly also urged its citizens to accord priority to buying eco-friendly shadu idols that are sculptures made from ash clay.
According to the report, two months ago, KDMC conducted a meeting of Ganpati idol makers from its area. During this meeting, damage caused by PoP idols was discussed. Thus, sculptors were encouraged to focus on making shadu idols. At this time, the idol makers appealed that the decision is considered till an alternative is found. However, now the KDMC is on high alert because the CPCB's order has to be strictly followed.
KDMC officials were quoted in the narrative elaborating on how legal action will be taken by the health department of the KDMC against those who sell idols without permission during the festivities, those who attempt to immerse PoP idols in rivers or creeks as well as those citizens who won't use eco-friendly idols and those who would secretly make, sell PoP idols.
They added that a copy of the accorded permission be put up in front of the sculpture manufacturing factory and shop. Additionally, the officials voiced that during the festivals, citizens must make use of eco-friendly, easily water-soluble materials that will automatically decompose in a few days.
Also Read: Ganpati 2022: BMC Revises Its Guidelines; Get Details Here
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