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HomeGo-GreenBMC to Offer Free Clay for Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols in 2025

BMC to Offer Free Clay for Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols in 2025

In a significant move aimed at promoting eco-friendly celebrations, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced plans to provide free Shadu mud to sculptors for making Ganesh idols for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi (Ganeshotsav) 2025. The civic body has also promised to allocate space for pandals, further supporting the cause of environmentally conscious celebrations during the festival. This initiative is in line with the BMC’s goal to reduce the environmental impact of the traditional festivities.

The announcement was made during a meeting held by the BMC to begin preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025. While the move has been welcomed by many, sculptors have pointed out that providing only Shadu mud will not be enough to ensure a fully eco-friendly celebration. They have urged the authorities to go beyond offering the clay and to take more comprehensive measures to promote the use of environmentally safe materials for idols. This comes after years of challenges in fully implementing the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) 2020 ban on idols made from Plaster of Paris (POP), a material widely criticised for its harmful environmental impact. Despite the ban, the shift away from POP idols has been slow, and sculptors and public bodies have continued to use the material. Even though it has been four years since the ban was enforced, there has been limited success in persuading the public and artists to adopt more sustainable alternatives.

The Mumbai High Court has consistently criticised the municipal corporation and state authorities for their failure to enforce the ban effectively. In an effort to tackle this issue, the BMC has already initiated plans for the next year’s Ganeshotsav, with discussions involving Ganeshotsav Mandals and the Ganeshotsav Coordination Committee. During a preliminary meeting, it was agreed that further consultations would be held with the CPCB to explore viable alternatives to POP, ensuring that the festival is celebrated in a more environmentally responsible manner. The move to offer Shadu mud aims to encourage sculptors to adopt this natural and eco-friendly material for creating idols, which is biodegradable and does not harm aquatic ecosystems during immersion. However, sustainable celebration advocates are urging the municipal corporation and state government to follow through with stronger enforcement and additional support measures, to make Ganeshotsav 2025 truly green.

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