An idol makers’ association has requested the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to set up checkpoints to prevent the entry of Plaster of Paris (PoP) statues into the city. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) banned PoP idols four years ago, but they are still being created and sent off to Mumbai.

Vasant Raje, president of the Shree Ganesh Murti Kala Samithi, wrote to civic chief Bhushan Gagarani last week, demanding that the BMC  stop PoP idols from entering the city. “Most PoP idols come to the city from outside. BMC officials should be stationed at the city’s entry points to prevent their entry. This will help everyone celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner.”