Mon Sep 30 21:07:57 UTC 2024: ## Mumbai’s Ganesh Chaturthi Faces Environmental Scrutiny Amidst Plaster of Paris Idols
**MUMBAI, INDIA** – The recent 10-day celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, dedicated to the elephant god Ganesha, has concluded in Mumbai, leaving behind a trail of environmental concerns. Despite a court order banning the use of plaster of paris (POP) in idols due to its harmful impact on water bodies, millions of statues made from this material were still released into the Arabian Sea during the festival.
Dr. Shyam Asolekar, an environmental engineering expert, highlighted the damaging effects of POP, which releases pollutants into water sources, harming marine life and altering ecosystems. He emphasized the importance of using natural materials like clay, which decompose quickly.
Sculptor Santosh Shaharkar, who has been advocating for the use of eco-friendly idols for years, expressed frustration over the lack of enforcement of the ban. He believes that a stricter approach is necessary to encourage widespread adoption of clay idols.
While some devotees, like Sagar Patel, actively sought out eco-friendly idols, others, like Rachna, found it difficult to convince their families to abandon the tradition of using larger, POP idols. Concerns about bad omens and the logistical challenges of creating large clay idols contributed to the continued prevalence of POP.
Despite the ongoing debate, there is a growing movement towards returning Ganesh Chaturthi to its bio-friendly roots. Organizers and worshippers like Richa Ahuja are pushing for a shift back to traditional materials like sand and clay, emphasizing that the true essence of the festival lies in faith, not the size or material of the idols.
The future of Ganesh Chaturthi remains uncertain. While the environmental impact of POP idols has sparked widespread concern, the transition towards eco-friendly practices requires not only stricter enforcement but also a change in mindset among the public and the organizers themselves.
First Piper 