11 big Ganesh mandals set to go green with clay idols

Gearing up to spread the message of an eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav, 11 major Ganesh mandals in the city are going to host clay idols this year.

Gearing up to spread the message of an eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav, 11 major Ganesh mandals in the city are going to host clay idols this year.

The idols, made of shadu (clay), dissolve in water within an hour after immersion compared to Plaster of Paris idols that are non-biodegradable.

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Ganesh mandals such as Nikatvare mandal, Bramhanwadi mandal and CP Tank mandal have opted for clay idols. Of these 11 mandals, the tallest idol, 21 feet, will be hosted by Kranti Mitra mandal from Andheri (East).

“We saw that even though the clay idols cost Rs15,000 more, they are the best option to help nature. We have requested mandals to cut down on expenses such as elaborate music systems and spend more to buy clay idols,” said Nilesh Thange, president, Kranti Mitra mandal.

Officials from the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), an umbrella body for all Ganesh mandals in the city, has requested the civic body to build more artificial ponds this year. “In wards where more than 2,000 households are hosting idols, we have asked for more artificial ponds,” said Naresh Dahibawkar, president, BSGSS.

Idol makers Shri Ganesh Kala Kendra, in collaboration with Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, are making 20,000 idols this year to meet the increase in demand for household clay idols.