The Belgaum Murthikaar Sanghatana, an association of idol makers from Belagavi, has appealed to the district administration to reconsider the ban on plaster of Paris (PoP) for making Ganesh idols. They cite a significant demand for idols and a shortage of the soil required for traditional clay idols.
Recently, association members met with district minister Satish Jarkiholi and deputy commissioner Nitesh Patil to present their case for lifting the PoP ban.
In their memorandum, the association highlighted that over 400 mandals install large Ganesh idols in public places in Belagavi city alone. Belagavi holds the record for the highest number of Ganesh idols installed in Karnataka. This tradition dates back over 100 years to when freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak first installed a public Ganesh idol in the city.
Idol makers argue that Belagavi is the leading producer of Ganesh idols. However, the severe shortage of clay makes it challenging to meet demand. Clay idols are not only expensive but also heavy and prone to cracking. In contrast, PoP idols are lighter and more cost-effective.
The district administration’s ban on manufacturing and selling PoP idols has put idol makers in a difficult position, especially with the festival scheduled to start on September 7. They contend that natural water bodies will remain unharmed if PoP idols are allowed and immersion is held in tanks.
Vikas Kalaghatagi, suggests that immersing Ganesh idols in designated tanks and recycling the water can prevent contamination of natural water bodies. “In Belagavi, most Ganesh idols are immersed in tanks identified by the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC), eliminating the risk of water body contamination. Allowing PoP idols would help preserve Belagavi’s century-old tradition,” he said.