Report: PoP use in Ganesha idols should be conditional

THE REPORT NOTES A GROWING TREND IN BOTH THE NUMBER AND SIZE OF POP IDOLS, WHICH IS CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASING ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

- Linah Baliga

MUMBAI: A report on the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) in the making of Ganesh idols has recommended conditional use of the material, a topic that has long been a subject of debate.

The report, prepared by the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission (RGSAT), a statutory body set up by the state, has recommended the use of PoP idols in large water bodies, provided they are painted with eco-friendly paints. It has also recommended 'retrievable immersions', which allows the reuse of PoP.

The report, submitted to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on April 29, outlines both short-term and long-term solutions, keeping in mind environmental concerns.

The report was submitted on a request by Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra's minister for cultural affairs in March, seeking clarity on the environmental impact of PoP usage.

The CPCB is expected to submit the report to the Bombay High Court on June 9, ahead of a scheduled hearing. The court had asked the CPCB to clarify its stand on the issue in a case where idol makers have challenged the CPCB guidelines prohibiting the use of PoP in the making of idols and their immersion.