Sat Sep 13 04:09:18 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Kolkata’s Idol Makers Face Crisis as Thermocol Ban Threatens Durga Puja Decorations**
**Kolkata, September 13, 2025** – Durga Puja, one of Kolkata’s most celebrated festivals, is just weeks away, but a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the artisans of Kumartuli, the city’s traditional potters’ colony. A ban on single-use thermocol (polystyrene), a key material used for decorating Durga idols, is creating significant challenges for these artists.
For generations, Kumartuli artisans have crafted intricate ornaments and decorations for the idols using thermocol. This material is preferred for its versatility and affordability. Traditionally, ‘shola,’ a wood sponge, was used, but its dwindling cultivation and a decline in artisans skilled in working with it has made thermocol the material of choice.
The West Bengal Pollution Control Board has called for a complete ban on the usage of thermocol since 2022 but the artists have been able to negotiate with local leaders to continue their work each year, but now, with stringent enforcement and police raids, the artisans are worried.
“The detailed decorations and ornaments we can make for goddess Durga with this thermocol are not possible with any other material. Most other things are expensive and difficult to process. All artists have already invested lakhs in buying thermocol, how will we cope with only two weeks left for the pujas?” said Kamal Paul, an artist at Kumartuli.
The Kumartuli Mrit Shilpi Samiti (Association of potters and artists) has appealed to local MLA Sashi Panja for temporary relief, requesting permission to use thermocol this year while they seek viable alternatives. They fear the constant threat of police action will hinder their ability to meet deadlines.
The artists acknowledge the environmental concerns associated with thermocol but emphasize their limited resources and lack of affordable substitutes. Alternatives like metal or cloth are considered impractical.
“I understand the environmental concern. I have read about the harmful effects of thermocol. But as artists with very few resources, what other alternative do we have? Metal or cloth will not make appropriate or affordable replacements,” Bankim Paul, one of the most senior potters in Kumartuli said.
According to Mr. Paul, thermocol accounts for 20-30% of the idol’s construction, making an immediate ban a major disruption. As Durga Puja approaches, the artisans of Kumartuli find themselves at a critical juncture, balancing environmental responsibility with the preservation of their cultural livelihood. The future of these intricate decorations, and potentially the financial well-being of the artisans, hangs in the balance.
First Piper 