Every year the State government speaks of strict action against the sale of Ganesh idols made out of Plaster of Paris (PoP) with political leaders across the spectrum seeking a ban. This year, in a novel approach, the State government doubled the subsidy for idols to Rs 200 and even deliberated on further enhancing it to Rs 500 in an attempt to ensure that people shun the use of PoP idols. Further, the government announced heightened vigil across borders so that these banned idols are not imported into the State from neighbouring places.
Surprisingly, none of these measures seemed to have worked and there are thousands of PoP idols sold across the State without any afterthought of the consequences or fear of violating the ban. While there has been a sizeable number of individuals availing of the subsidy, there are large sections of devotees who still resort to PoP idols mindful of the ban and the environmental consequences.
The PoP idols are banned solely because they are non-biodegradable and do not dissolve in water after immersion. Moreover, they are believed to be impacting oxygen levels due to the presence of gypsum, sulphur, magnesium, and phosphorus, which affect water bodies and threaten water resources. Let’s not forget that the dyes for colouring have mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic and carbon mixed in varying proportions making it more toxic.
On the flip side, PoP idols have gained popularity because they are cost-effective, lightweight and aesthetically appealing. Against this tussle between PoP and clay idols, the former holds sway because the concern for the environment and the damage that is caused has not resonated well with the people even at a time when "environmental protection" has remained the fulcrum of public discourse. In this context, the State will have to possibly look beyond vigils and subsidies.
Clay artisans have been holding the view that mere subsidy is not going change the equation because the PoP idols have far overtaken the traditional ones in the market. During festive occasions, a subsidy of Rs 200 may not make a difference, and authorities may not be inclined to play spoilsport by going aggressively with the crackdown.
Artisans, while speaking to this newspaper recently, mentioned that the need of the hour is to inspire the younger generation and train them in this art so that they can take the clay art forward. They lamented that clay artisans are a dwindling lot and added that sourcing the right kind of clay for idol-making is challenging. These are genuine concerns that need to be addressed if the government seeks to nudge PoP idols out of the competition. The market size has increased but in a current age of affordability and convenience, traditional practices would find it difficult to keep pace.
Various political leaders, including Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, have appealed against the use of PoP idols, but to no avail. Similar is the case with neighbouring States and regions along the Konkan which celebrate Chaturthi with great pomp and revelry, but have bans in place too on PoP.
On the eve of Chaturthi, it is business as usual with PoP idols flooding the markets and making a mockery of rules and enforcement. It is obvious that the subsidy has failed, and so has enforcement. A more prudent way could be to boost clay artisans, introduce short-term courses, promote clay products and ensure that markets have adequate clay idols to service the demand.
