The organisation of sculptors has insisted that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) conduct a test before providing free land and clay to prepare Ganesh idols aiming to distinguish genuine sculptors. The BMC has decided to hold meetings with sculptors to address their concerns on March 12.

“Last year, the BMC allotted free clay and places to sculptors to prepare non-Plaster of Paris Ganesh idols on a first come first serve basis. Meanwhile, these places are allotted to people who are not making clay idols,” said Vasant Raje, President of Shree Ganesh Murtikala Samithi. “BMC has decided to provide free land and clay to encourage eco-friendly idols. But the people who receive these are not making idols of clay. Most of them make and sell POP idols,” said Raje.