Ganesh Chathurthi: PoP idols flood Andhra markets despite ban

Vijayawada: The government advisory to use celebrate the Ganesh Chathurthi with clay idols has gone for a toss in Andhra Pradesh. There is no proper coordination between departments to ensure an eco-friendly festival and the elimination of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols painted with hazardous chemical colors.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had issued detailed guidelines banning the use of PoP idols.

"We have no infrastructure and manpower to crack down on PoP Ganesh idols. The district administration must take the necessary action against the PoP Ganesh idol makers and sellers, said Rajendra Reddy, Joint Chief Environmental Engineer, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB).

After two years of muted celebrations, the state is gearing up to welcome Bappa with gusto and fervor. However, the activists are worried as the PoP Ganesh idols have hit the market in Vizag, Vijayawada, and other big cities despite the ban. Some artisans made big Ganesh idols using PoP and chemical colors unmindful of the serious pollution threat.

"The ban on the use of PoP idols is already there. But it is not being implemented strictly, thanks to the authorities. As per estimates, at least 50 percent of big Ganesh idols are made of PoP. We are appealing to authorities to eliminate the PoP Ganesh idols in the coming days," Siva Kumar K, an activist.

He said they are focusing more on awareness and appealing to the people to celebrate the Ganesh festivals with clay idols. "No coercive action against the PoP of Ganesh idols as of now, said Vizag district collector, A Mallikarjuna. We have asked the officials to ensure availability of eco-friendly Ganesh idols," he added.

Vizag city police chief Ch Srikanth said clay Ganeshs are being encouraged, but PoP Ganesha was not banned.

Prices of Ganesh idols have increased in the state by 30 to 50 percent. The PoP idols that flooded the market were comparatively cheaper than the environment-friendly shadu clay. Over 50 percent of the organizers of the Ganesh Pandals are installing PoP Ganesh idols only, the traders said.

Key Points

Ganesh idols which were sold for Rs 2,000 in 2019 are selling at Rs 3,200 this year.

Labor charges and prices of all other things required to make idols have increased

More than 10,000 Ganesh Pandals may come up in Andhra Pradesh this year

People claim they have no option other than using PoP idols

Some organizers of the Ganesh festival install big clay idols in Vizag

PoP idols demand has not increased