Mumbai News: With PoP Ban Intact, 40% Ganesh Idol Makers Shift To Shadu Clay; BMC Distributes Record 630 Tonnes

With no relaxation on the ban of Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols this year, around 40 % of idol makers have opted for Shadu clay and other eco-friendly alternatives. Responding to this shift, the BMC has already distributed 630 tonnes of Shadu clay across the city a significant increase compared to last year to encourage and support sustainable idol-making practices ahead of the Ganesh festival.

The BMC is offering free Shadu clay to idol makers and allocating designated spaces for Ganesh idol installations on a “first come, first served” basis. However, many prominent Ganeshotsav mandals continue to install large idols—often more than 18 feet tall—which are challenging to sculpt using only Shadu clay. In a bid to promote eco-friendly celebrations, the BMC has written to the Konkan Divisional Commissioners, urging them to encourage idol makers in the Konkan region to adopt Shadu clay over the traditionally used PoP. This move has prompted many artisans to shift toward environmentally friendly materials.

Naresh Dahibavkar, president of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), said, “The hearing on the use of PoP is scheduled for Monday in the Bombay High Court. However, with limited time left for idol-making, around 40% of artisans have already switched to Shadu clay or other eco-friendly materials.” He added that the BMC is collecting data from Ganeshotsav mandals at the ward level regarding idol heights, based on which it may set height restrictions accordingly.

Ashok Kadu, an artisan and president of the Paramparik Murtikar Hastakala Karagir Sangh (Traditional Artisans and Craftsman Association), said, “PoP idols are not only harmful to the environment, but their condition after immersion is distressing—they often remain half-dissolved, which is saddening to see. There are several ways to create eco-friendly idols, and I have been making them for the past five decades. We have been advocating for eco-friendly practices for a long time.”

A senior civic official said, "The demand for Shadu clay has increased this year. Last year, we provided 619 tonnes, compared to 451 tonnes in 2023." The highest quantity—85 tonnes—has been distributed in G North ward areas like Dharavi, Mahim, and Dadar. Additionally, 70 tonnes were supplied in N ward (Ghatkopar), 67 tonnes in K East ward (Andheri East), and 56 tonnes in F South ward, covering Girgaon, Chinchpokli, Lalbaug, and Hindmata.