With barely two days left for Ganesh Chaturthi, artists in some parts of the city were noticed selling idols made up of ‘Plaster of Paris’ (PoP) on Tuesday despite the Union Government’s ban on the usage of the material causing pollution to the environment.
The areas included Bhatagaon, Santoshi Nagar, lalpur and Panchpedi Naka.
When a young artist of Mathpurena selling such idols for the first time at Santoshi Nagar was inquired about the directives, he said, “This year, most of us could not manage sufficient clay required to make a complete idol. We had no option except adding a large quantity of Plaster of Paris on the idols.”
Similarly, another artist of Palari said Plaster of Paris was used as there was lack of mud or clay. “The rates of mud and bamboo sticks have increased. Compared to previous years, there is a difference of `50 to `60,” said a senior artisan of Mana.
However, sources maintained that the high cost and crunch of resources did not affect the selling price.
“One can easily afford a Ganesh idol within `50 to `500,” said a city resident.
Notably, idols made of Plaster of Paris do not immerse in water and reduces the oxygen level of the water.
On September 6, Chhattisgarh Government had directed District Collectors, Commissioners of Municipal Corporations and Chief Municipal Officers to ensure strict ban on manufacture of idols with Gypsum plaster and synthetic colours.
Also, the State Government had ordered to keep a check that Plaster of Paris idols were not immersed in water across the State.
The State Urban Administration and Development Department recently issued a circular with the guidelines of National Green Tribunal and National Pollution Control Board (Bhopal) regarding manufacture of idols with synthetic colours and Plaster of Paris.