The Belgaum Murthikaar Sanghatana, a collective of idol makers in Belgaum, has urged the district administration to review the prohibition on plaster of Paris (PoP) for crafting Ganesh idols. They point out a high demand for idols and a scarcity of the clay needed for traditional idol-making as reasons for their appeal.
Recently, members of the association held discussions with District Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil to present their arguments in favor of lifting the ban on plaster of Paris (PoP).
In their memorandum, the association emphasized that more than 400 mandals set up large Ganesh idols in public spaces within Belgaum city alone. Belgaum holds the distinction of having the highest number of Ganesh idols installed in Karnataka. This tradition has its origins over a century ago when freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak first installed a public Ganesh idol in the city.
The idol makers contend that Belgaum is the foremost producer of Ganesh idols, but they face a significant scarcity of clay, posing challenges in meeting demand. Clay idols are not only costly but also heavy and susceptible to cracking. In contrast, PoP idols are lighter and more economical.
The ban imposed by the district administration on the production and sale of PoP idols has placed idol makers in a challenging situation, particularly with the festival set to commence on September 7. They argue that allowing PoP idols and conducting immersions in tanks will ensure that natural water bodies remain unharmed.
Vikas Kalaghatagi proposes that immersing Ganesh idols in specified tanks and recycling the water can prevent natural water bodies from being contaminated. He noted that in Belgaum, most Ganesh idols are immersed in tanks designated by the Belgaum City Corporation (BCC), ensuring that there is no risk of contaminating water bodies. Kalaghatagi emphasized that permitting PoP idols would contribute to preserving Belgaum’s longstanding tradition.
