Mumbai: BMC to form special squad to monitor POP Ganesh idols

BMC has mandated that household idols must not exceed 4 feet in height

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will establish a special squad to monitor Plaster of Paris (POP) Ganesh idols, with two officials assigned to each ward. This team will inspect the sculptor's workshops and other relevant locations.

As of this year, BMC has mandated that household idols must not exceed 4 feet in height and should be crafted from eco-friendly materials like shadu clay.

To ensure strict compliance, BMC plans to set up a dedicated team in each ward. Furthermore, the BMC requires a red circle on PoP idols and a green circle on eco-friendly idols at the back of each idol. Additionally, the corporation will provide 150 tonne of shadu clay to sculptors.

A BMC official stated, "We will deploy two officers in each ward who will monitor POP idols below 4 feet at various locations.

If anyone is found breaking the rules, we will file a police complaint under ‘The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.'" Moreover, BMC will provide 150 tonne of shadu clay to sculptors free of cost, and it is mandatory to immerse all household idols in artificial ponds.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ramakant Biradar confirmed the update, saying, "Yes, we will form a squad of two junior engineers for each ward. They will closely monitor POP idols in the area."

Biradar also mentioned that around 70 per cent of household idols originate from Pen of Raigad district, and the team will visit those places based on available data on idol sellers.

In May 2020, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued comprehensive guidelines banning POP idols, known to cause serious pollution in water bodies.

In response to a request from Ganesh Mandals, the BMC has decided to fully implement the ban on POP idols starting next year.

May 2020
Date that CPCB issued guidelines banning POP idols