On Monday, June 27, a meeting was conducted between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Samanvay Samiti. Herein, the civic body reportedly reiterated that there will be no Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols for the Ganesh festival.
BMC Chief Iqbal Singh Chahal was quoted in accounts elaborating on how this year they have issued an advisory, but next year onwards there will be punishment as well. He added that in accordance with the guidelines, those who are found to be selling PoP idols will not only face fines but judicial action as well.
Based on narratives, back in May 2020, the Central Pollution Control Board had issued comprehensive guidelines, banning the utilization of PoP for idols, highlighting the considerable pollution it causes to water bodies.
However, the ban was postponed by a year because the idol makers voiced their fear of losing their livelihood. Now, two years later, the BMC has sent out notices for the implementation of the rule.
Like earlier, the idol markers have been vocal about their objections to the BMC. They reportedly claim that it is not possible to make over two crore clay idols in a short span. According to narratives, the Samanvay Samiti wrote a letter to Chahal about the same.
In lieu of this, a meeting was held on Monday with Chahal, where the civic body's administration reaffirmed its stand against PoP idols. Shiv Sshivena MLA Ajay Chaudhari and former Mayor Kishori Pednekar were also present.
Nonetheless, the Samanvay Samiti has again requested the BMC to permit the use of PoP without hazardous substances.
Moreover, the BMC has urged Mumbaikars to not purchase or sell Ganpati idols made of PoP. Since immersion of PoP idols causes water pollution, the civic body has requested citizens to bring idols of Shadu clay.
In addition to this, they have asked that the idols brought at homes be under two feet tall so they can dissolve easily.
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