PoP Ganeshas are turning into an environmental nightmare!

The one and a half day Ganesh

Chaturthi

celebrations ended with the

tradition

of immersing the idols on Sunday evening. The next day however a number of idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) were found to have either washed up on shore or to be floating in the

various water bodies

where immersion was done.

Clay

the tradition!
In Goa, the tradition has always been to manufacture idols of clay, but in recent years there is a trend towards PoP idols. “The traditional artisans of Goa always make idols of chikal matti, or agricultural clay. The PoP idols first came from other states and are cheaper and lighter. Especially those living in buildings prefer PoP idols as they are easy to carry up flights of stairs,” says Arvind Palyekar, an artisan.
“Certain places in Goa like Marcel are known for their eco-friendly Ganeshas made of clay,” says

Tallulah

D’Silva, environmentalist.
Laws not easy to enforce
"PoP idols pose a threat to the water bodies and their ecosystems.There is a law banning use of PoP idols in Goa. However it is difficult to enforce this and they only come to light after Chaturthi, when floating or washed up idols are seen,” says Tallulah.
“The laws banning PoP should be enforced just after Chaturthi so that it deters manufacturers of these idols from beginning production for next year. They may then be persuaded to pursue other options. An enforcement a few months before Chaturthi simply begets clamour of a loss of inventory,” she adds.