Maharashtra pollution board promotes eco-friendly Ganesh idols

This Ganpati festival devotees may see a lot of eco-friendly idols, provided the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) certified process of idol-making becomes popular and good sense prevails among organisers. 

After experimenting on various formulas to come up with eco-friendly idols for the past three years, Pramod Vitthal Palav, a sculptor from Kankavali in Sindhudurg, invented an idol manufacturing process by mixing clay with fig tree juice, paper and glue. This product dissolves in water in less than 15 minutes.

“Plaster of Paris (POP) idols float on water surface and increase pollution,” said Palav. 

Palav sent his idol for testing to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) from where it was sent to NEERI.

The NEERI certified it after testing the manufacturing process and the ingredients used. Now, the MPCB has decided to promote this experiment by holding a one-day conference with local sculptors and government officials. 

Despite the environmental advantages, shadu mati or clay is not preferred because it makes the idols very heavy.  

“The water pollution level increases after immersion of POP-made Ganesh idols.

We were looking for options, which would be economically viable and easy for transportation. This is a great experiment and we will support it,” said Radhesham Mopalwar, member secretary, MPCB. 

The one-day conference will be jointly organized by the MPCB and environment department on July 8.

The Brihanmumbai Ganesh Murtikar Sangh, various public organisations and Ganpati mandals will be invited to it. Palav has been asked to explain his experiment to other experts from the field.

“We call for more and more artists to get involved in this event. An eco-friendly Ganesh festival is the need of time,” said Mopalwar.