Forum opposes ban on PoP Ganesh idols

Belagavi: Madhyavarthi Sarvajanik Shri Ganeshotsav Mahamandal (MSSGM), a forum of all mandals in Belagavi that install Ganesha idols in public places, is unhappy with the decision of the district administration to seize plaster of Paris (PoP) idols and taking action those who make such idols.
The decision was taken by Deputy commissioner S Ziyaullah on Monday at a meeting with police, pollution control board and other officials regarding the ban on PoP idols owing to environmental concerns.

According to the Mahamandal, the administration took this decision when the festival is just three weeks ahead. “Almost all the idols are ready and the decision was taken at the last moment. This is nothing but playing with the religious sentiments of Hindus,” said Vikas Kalaghatagi, public relations in-charge of the Mahamandal.

The Mahamandal has already told the administration that the decision is impractical at the present stage. The forum has also decided to submit a memorandum to the administration along with BJP, various Hindu outfits, idol makers and office bearers of over 400 mandals who install idols on public places.

According to the Mahamandal, the Ganesh festival in Belagavi has a glorious history of over 100 years after it began when Bal Gangadhar Tilak the leader of the freedom movement installed the first Ganesh idol in the city. Lakhs of people from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa visit the city during the 11-day festival only to see the idols and decorations. It is the biggest festival of the city and involves the turnover of crores of rupees. Any decision taken in a hurry, like banning PoP idols may affect the celebrations, the Mahamandal said.

The district administration is advising mandals and the public to opt for eco-friendly clay idols but the forum claims that there is a dearth of clay needed to make the idols. Some idol makers say they bought clay from Maharashtra after paying a hefty price. Environment friendly colours are also not easily available in the region and the administration must consider all these aspects before imposing a ban, they say.

Vikas Kalaghatagi said awareness about environment is growing among the people and gradually they are opting for clay idols despite the high cost. “The change is happening by itself and it takes time for a complete transformation. Forcible implementation of sensitive decisions may create law and order problem,” he said.

According to Kalaghatagi, the use of Pop idols in Belagavi is not an environmental concern as no mandal in the city immerses idols in a river, well or lake. “Instead, the idols are immersed in 8-10 ponds constructed by the Belagavi City Corporation. Later, the water and silt is disposed of properly. Hence, there is no chance of contamination of water bodies,” he said.

Noted idol maker Sanjay Killekar said the timing of the decision is wrong as 90% of the work of making idols has been completed. “Idol makers would have considered not using PoP had the administration passed strict orders banning PoP 4-5 months ago. One has to use PoP while making large idols, as large clay idols do not have strength and may develop cracks, which is considered as a bad omen,” he said.