Traditional Ganesha idols makers also urge govt to ban ganesha made of PoP

In Mysore city, makers of Ganesha idols are requesting the authorities to impose a ban on the sale of idols brought from other States. The reason is to prevent environmental pollution. They are also requesting to ban idols made out of PoP all over India. Moreover, the demand for the traditional idols has come down thus severely affecting the sales and in turn their livelihood.

Environmentalists have been all along urging civic bodies to ensure that the festival is celebrated in a eco-friendly manner by banning making of Ganesha idols painted with bright multi-colour paints that are toxic and not water soluble.

When Express spoke with a couple of families residing at Kumbargeri, making traditional Mysore style Ganesha idols since decades said their ancestors made idols with only clay, which they now painting them with oil paints. Only around 20 per cent of people purchase clay Ganesha idols while the majority prefer brightly-painted colourful idols as they want the God to look in a grand manner.

Once the Ganesha idols submerged in the water disintegrates the same clay is re-used to make new idols. But If more people purchase PoP idols, it wont dissolve in water causing only pollution, they added.

They also claim that oil paints and natural paints easily peels off once it gets submerged in water but not the idols made using moulds and PoP, brought from neighbouring State of Maharashtra, especially Mumbai.

The idols made out of PoP should be seized by the authorities and a strict vigilance should be enforced around city. Artisans of Mysore have their own tradition of making idols and protecting the tradition is need of the hour, says Mohan who purchase only clay idol to protect environment.

`Only very few customers who are aware of the dangers of PoP, buy our traditional idols. But their number is very small, rued Ningamma, who has been making these idols from past 40 years.

Only very few customers who are aware of the dangers of PoP, buy traditional idols. But their number is very small. The idols made out of PoP should be seized by the authorities and a strict vigilance should be enforced around city. Artisans of Mysore have their own tradition of making idols and protecting the tradition is need of the hour, added Rekha.