Kumartuli artisans protest as clay supply block halts Durga Puja prep

Kolkata: A severe clay shortage has stalled Durga Puja preparation in Kumartuli, while also affecting the production of other earthen products. Artisans organised a rally on Monday from Ramlila Maidan to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation building to demand regularisation of supply and save the industry dependent on it. A team also submitted a memorandum to the govt at Nabanna.The crisis began after the new BJP govt cracked down on illegal soil mining. The administration tightened rules on clay extraction from riverbanks and announced that only those with licences could extract clay. However, people associated with clay extraction from riverbanks, especially in Diamond Harbour, say extraction has now been completely banned. One artisan said, "The previous govt took no action against the soil mafia, but the sudden crackdown has made it difficult for us to meet the deadline. We urge the new govt to save our livelihood."Mintu Paul, a Kumartuli artisan, said, "The required clay has not arrived yet. We are clueless about how we will complete the Durga idols on time. Some of us went to Diamond Harbour and met the administration and police to solve this deadlock." Pashupati Rudra Pal, another artisan, said, "We have made a structure by binding straw, but it can't be left without a clay coating. We applied a layer of ‘Ganga mitti', but it is not as firm as clay, so we will have to start afresh which will raise the price as well."Artisans also said labourers have already arrived from the districts but there is no work. Indranil Pal, an artisan, said, "The people who come every year during this period can't be sent back." Earthen products are also disappearing from the market. Sankar Ghosh Dastidar, a tea-stall owner, said, "The supply of earthen cups has stopped. Since plastic cups are not allowed, I have to shift to paper cups which are costly."