PoP Idols in Mumbai: Murtikars share challenges and alternatives for large idols

With Ganeshotsav just around the corner Mumbairsquos murtikars idol makers are once again in the spotlight but this year under a different set of challengesNo ban but conditions applyThere is currently no ban on manufacturing or selling PoP idols in Mumbai In June 2025 the Bombay High Court lifted its earlier ban permitting PoP idols under strict conditions While the court has now allowed the manufacturing and sale of PoP idols to resume it made it clear that such idols cannot be immersed in natural water bodies Authorities believe this compromise addresses both environmental concerns and artisansrsquo livelihoods ensuring PoP idols do not end up polluting natural water bodies like rivers lakes and the seaAn artisan painting a Lord Ganesha idol at the Parel workshop in Mumbai Pic Ronak MastakarWhy the restrictionsPoP idols take months to dissolve releasing harmful chemicals and gypsum that degrade water quality and threaten aquatic life Following directions from the Central Pollution Control Board CPCB and the National Green Tribunal NGT the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board MPCB has enforced stricter monitoring this yearldquoPoP idols release pollutants into water bodies Traditions cannot come at the cost of the environmentrdquo said a BMC officialMurtikars speakArtisans say the backandforth on the PoP ban has created confusion and stress during their busiest seasonldquoThe High Court first banned PoP idols and then lifted the ban Because of the late decision mandals placed orders at the last minute forcing us to work day and nightrdquo said Raju Shinde who makes Ganpati idols as tall as 25ndash30 feet at the Parel railway workshopldquoI donrsquot think PoP should be banned It is not harmful if handled properlyrdquo he addedUday Ramkrishna Khatu a wellknown murtikar from Lalbaug expressed similar concerns ldquoBecause of the earlier ban and later relaxation pricing and manpower have been badly affected Many of us had to decline orders Instead of banning POP authorities should regulate the height of idols mdash ideally between 6 to 8 feetrdquoRaju Shinde at Parel workshop in Mumbai Pic Ronak MastakarLack of support from BMCSeveral artisans also complain of insufficient help from civic authorities ldquoBMC is not supporting murtikars It has not allotted spaces for us to build idols despite a state government resolution directing it to do so last yearrdquo said Raju ShindeFor Mumbairsquos idol makers Ganeshotsav is their main source of income Despite the relief from the court challenges remain PoP idols are cheaper to make while clay and ecofriendly materials are more expensive and take longer to mould and dry Devotees also find clay idols heavy and fragile compared to lightweight PoP versionsldquoWe have been making PoP idols for decades Suddenly switching to clay is not easyrdquo said Ramesh Shinde a thirdgeneration idol maker from Lalbaug Another artisan from Lalbaug added ldquoPoP allows us to make large idols with fine detailing With clay the finish is not the same Many of us fear losing our livelihoodrdquoAlternatives to PoPDespite hurdles ecofriendly idols are slowly gaining attention Shadu mati natural clay idols dissolve easily in water while papiermache idols are lightweight biodegradable and versatile Cow dung idols dissolve quickly and enrich the soil Many families are also opting for reusable idols made of brass silver or stone SeedGanesha idols made of clay mixed with seeds sprout into plants after immersion adding a sustainable touch to the festivalldquoEcofriendly idols not only reduce pollution but also symbolise returning to naturerdquo said Girgaon resident Milind VanarseGovernment and civic effortsTo enforce the new rules the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC is setting up hundreds of artificial ponds across the city ldquoWe urge citizens to adopt ecofriendly idols and make use of artificial ponds This will reduce the pollution burden on natural water bodiesrdquo said a senior BMC officialWhile POP idols are permitted again the restrictions mean Mumbairsquos murtikars must adapt quickly Experts say subsidies for ecofriendly raw materials training for artisans and awareness campaigns for devotees can ease the transitionAs one young artisan from Dadar puts it ldquoWe want to protect the environment too All we need is some support so our art and livelihood survive along with traditionrdquoGaneshotsav after all celebrates creation and harmony This year the challenge is ensuring that devotion and sustainability go hand in hand