Thane: In its active pursuit of an eco-friendly approach, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation has distributed around 50 tonnes of Shadu clay to 72 idol makers and various organizations ahead of the Maghi Ganesh Utsav, which will be in February 2025.
Under the instructions of Commissioner, Indu Rani Jakhar, of Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation, KDMC officials held a meeting at Acharya Atre Rangmandir in Kalyan with Atul Patil, the Deputy Commissioner of the Environment Department, Pramod More, the Executive Engineer of the Environment Department, Yogesh Godse, Additional Municipal Commissioner and upali Shaiwale (from the Environment Vigilance Board), and others.
The civic official added that the idol maker should use shadu clay for making Ganesh idols in the upcoming Maghi Ganesh festival. Following this initiative, the environment will be safe and protected from water pollution. Pramod More, the Executive Engineer of the Environment and Pollution Control Department, said that they have already distributed 50 tonnes of shadu clay free of cost to 72 idol makers.
“In compliance with the Central Pollution Control Board’s May 2020 order banning the use of Plaster of Paris (POP) in idol-making, the KMC aims to promote various types of eco-friendly idols, including Ganeshas and those made from shadu clay or paper. We are providing free shadu clay to idol makers this year to promote clay idols,” said Atul Patil, Deputy Commissioner of the Environment and Pollution Control Department.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued guidelines in May 2020 banning the use of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols, citing their harmful impact on water bodies. The use of Plaster of Paris (POP) in idol-making does not allow it to dissolve in water, causing water pollution. Due to POP, water pollution has increased. Following this, the environment has been affected.
The civic official said that they called idol sellers and manufacturers to raise an awareness about Shadu clay, which is conducive to a safe environment. According to the civic official, those who are found using POP idols will be prosecuted Or fine under the provisions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
