Thousands of artisans (murtikars) who make Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols gathered in Parel’s Bhivajirao Nare Park protesting against the Bombay High Court directions banning the use of PoP idols. The court said that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines should be followed while celebrating festival and eco-friendly idols- made of clay should be used. However, the artisans who had gathered from across the state claimed that the clay idols are not strong enough, especially for tall idols which are installed every Ganpati festival, especially in cities like Mumbai and Pune.
“The tall Ganpati idols can sustain only if they are made from PoP. Clay does not hold strength and has chances of easy breakage. For mandals like Lalbaugcha cha Raja, Mumbai cha Raja, tall idols are not only international attraction but a main characteristic of our festival celebrated since generations,” said Suresh Sharma, Secretary of Shree Ganesh Murtikar Kaamgar Sangathana, Maharashtra State.
Sharma added that the directions to ban PoP idols is given out of pressure created by clay idol makers, who’s business are not doing well. “The PoP idols are made of two materials only and clay idols need more materials to make it strong. How is that clay idols do not cause river pollution and only PoP idols do? There is no scientific proof that PoP idols are harmful,” Sharma added.
Prashant Desai, President of the Sanghatna said, “Today murtikars across the state in thousands of numbers are gathered to protest against banning PoP idols. It is not only their business but art. We will explore all ways to ensure PoP idols are not banned.”
The HC in its judgement in January ahead of the Maghi Ganpati festival, directed not only ban on PoP idols but ban on immersion of PoP idols in natural spots like seashore, lakes and creeks. Accordingly, the municipal bodies were forced to install artificial ponds for visarjan of PoP idols.
State minister and MLA from Bandra, Ashish Shelar attended the protest called by PoP idols makers on Tuesday. Shelar said that a committee has been formed under Rajiv Gandhi Technical Institute which study the effect of PoP idols and accordingly the study can be presented by the sculptors in the court.”
Shelar said that he was present at the protest site to explain government’s stand on the ban on use of PoP idols and assured the artisans that the Devendra Fadnavis government is firmly behind the artisans and Hindu festival celebrations.
Rohit Joshi, the Environmentalist who had filed the petition in HC banning the PoP idols said, “I am surprised Shelar being a minister and an advocate himself is not ready to accept HC order. The court’s directives are clear and any kind of protest will not make difference. We have to move towards Enviornment friendly festivals celebration.”
