The BMC is finally gearing up for a Ganeshotsav and other festivals that are free of plaster of paris (PoP) idols. A ban on the use of PoP idols has been there for years, but it wasn't implemented owing to several concerns raised by the sculptors.
The civic body has held a meeting with various stakeholders to finally execute the plan.&nbsp;
After the rules are implemented, the deposit would be confiscated and the registration cancelled for two years if the idol is not eco-friendly.
Representatives of sculptors, coordinating committees of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Mumbai police and &lsquo;NEERI&rsquo; were present at the meeting held under the supervision of BMC's Additional Commissioner Ashwinin Bhide and Deputy Commissioner Harshad Kale.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had issued eco-friendly guidelines for festivals, which include instructions for idol makers, puja organising committees and urban local bodies. The guidelines also include pollution-free immersion.
The members of the sculptors' association said that it takes more time and space to make eco-friendly clay sculptures.&nbsp;
They asked the civic corporation to provide more space and more time for idol workshops.
&ldquo;The BMC is trying to accommodate as many instructions as possible to implement eco-friendly festivals from next year,&rdquo; said a civic official, adding that they expect response from sculptors as well as Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav committees.
<h2>Keeping idols eco-friendly</h2>
. Idols should be made only from natural, biodegradable and eco-friendly materials, as per CPCB guidelines
. Leaves, flowers and clothes should be used for decoration. Single-use plastic is strictly prohibited
. Colours for painting idols and for decoration must be eco-friendly
. Sculptors must be registered with local self-governing bodies
. There should be separate instructions for immersion of idols in rivers, lakes, seas, etc.
. Local coastal management authority&rsquo;s permission needed for immersion in the sea
. Residents should prefer home immersion of idols
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BMC starts preparations to finally implement ban on use of plaster of paris idols during festivals

Mumbai: 2022 to see idols free of plaster of Paris

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Mumbai: 2022 to see idols free of plaster of Paris

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