In a bid to promote eco-friendly practices for the upcoming Maghi Ganeshotsav in February, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has urged idol makers to use Shadu (natural clay) instead of Plaster of Paris (POP) for crafting Lord Ganesh idols. This initiative aligns with efforts to ensure a sustainable celebration similar to Ganesh Chaturthi.

A significant meeting held at Acharya Atre Rangmandir, Kalyan, saw Atul Patil, Deputy Commissioner of the Environment and Pollution Control Department, address idol makers and sellers. He highlighted the environmental hazards posed by POP idols, which do not dissolve in water and lead to pollution of rivers and creeks, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Patil referred to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines of May 12, 2020, which ban POP idols to curb environmental degradation.

Accompanied by officials like Pramod More, Executive Engineer of KDMC’s Environment and Pollution Control Department, and environmental experts such as Rupali Shaiwale (Environment Vigilance Board), Mayuri Kumbhar (Recycling Institute), and Vaishali Tambat (Convener of Manushrushti Environment), the meeting focused on educating stakeholders about the benefits of Shadu clay and the legal framework supporting its use.

To encourage adoption, KDMC, under the leadership of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar, is offering free clay and workspace to idol makers. So far, 50 tonnes of Shadu soil have been distributed to 72 idol makers and various organizations, with additional distribution planned until September 2024.

During the session, Mayuri Kumbhar and Rupali Shaiwale shared insights on recycling idols and mitigating pollution, while Vaishali Tambat presented on CPCB guidelines and the ban on POP idols, emphasizing the environmental and legal implications.

The idol makers in attendance expressed enthusiasm for the eco-friendly initiative, showing readiness to adopt Shadu clay for this year’s Maghi Ganeshotsav.