PANAJI
Nearly one in every four Ganesh idol vendors registered with the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) have declared that the idols they manufacture or sell contain up to 20 per cent Plaster of Paris (PoP), indicating that PoP-based idols will continue to have a significant presence in the market despite the State's sustained push for eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
As per the GSPCB's mandatory Ganesh idol registration portal, 129 manufacturers, sellers, distributors and chitrashalas had registered up to June end, of whom over 35 vendors (around 27 per cent) declared that their idols contain 15-20 per cent or up to 20 per cent PoP, while the remaining registrants stated that they manufacture or sell idols made entirely of clay, shadu mati or chikan mati.
Of these only ten manufacturers or distributors have not disclosed the total number of idols that they would be selling or producing, which is 1,136.
The data also shows that Bicholim accounts for the highest number of registrations, with a large concentration of traditional idol makers from Kumbharwada and Mayem producing clay idols. Bardez emerged as the second-largest hub of registered vendors, followed by Ponda, while registrations were also received from Salcete, Mormugao, Quepem, Sanguem, Pernem, Tiswadi, Sattari, Canacona and Dharbandora.
The development assumes significance as the State has made registration of all Ganesh idol manufacturers, sellers, distributors and stockists mandatory this year to regulate the manufacture and sale of idols and monitor compliance with environmental norms. The portal requires applicants to disclose details including the source of idols, number of idols proposed for sale or manufacture, and whether they contain PoP.
The declarations show that vendors sourcing idols from Kolhapur, Pen, Belagavi and local Goan chitrashalas have opted for the permissible PoP content, while a majority of local artisans have declared that their idols are made entirely from natural clay or chikan mati.
The GSPCB had recently permitted Ganesh idols containing up to 20 per cent PoP, subject to compliance with the prescribed norms, and has said registered units will be subject to inspections and laboratory testing to verify the declared composition.
Under the directions issued by the Environment Department, only registered vendors will be permitted to manufacture, import or sell Ganesh idols in Goa. The GSPCB has also been tasked with inspecting chitrashalas, collecting samples for laboratory analysis to verify PoP content and initiating action, including penalties and cancellation of registration, in cases where idols exceed the permissible limit.
