Ganesh artisans find it difficult to get clay

the goan I network
PONDA

The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has suggested that the government should encourage those in clay business.
The adverse impact of idols made from PoP on environment after its immersion forced the government to ban PoP idols. This fostered the demand of idols made from clay, but with increase in number of worshippers, the artisans are finding it difficult to get clay.
Shyamsunder Borkar, an artisan from Top Cola Borim, revealed his own experiences on how he face difficulties to buy clay. "We are making clay idols of lord Ganpati since the last 50 years. Those who don't like to worship PoP idols come to us and ask for clay idols. But we are not able to take the orders, as we don't find clay in that quantity and of quality," he said.
According to Borkar, extracting of clay by locals from nearby areas has stopped and they have to travel a long distance. "Earlier, we used to get clay from Nirankal. Now the locals have stopped extracting it and this year we brought it from Paddem-Quepem," he said.
He said people from Pernem area are still into this business, but it becomes difficult for transportation. "We pay about Rs 3,500 for 3 metres of clay and to bring it from Pernem, we will have to pay much for transportation."
As his old-age father Sumant Borkar is not able to make the idols, Shyamsunder along with his brother Shailesh is taking the legacy ahead.
"We are doing it (making idols) as it is a tradition and not all about making money. If we get the clay at affordable rate, then we can also satisfy a worshipper," he added.
When contacted, HJS convenor Dr Manoj Solanki said in this situation, the government should encourage those who are in clay business. "PoP idols impact our environment. Hence, the government should encourage those in clay business," he said. Solanki lamented that despite the ban on PoP idols, they are seen in the market.