MANDALS CAN USE PLASTIC TO COVER IDOLS FOR GANESHOTSAV

MUMBAI: In good news for mandals, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has relaxed plastic ban norms for Ganesh idols during Ganeshotsav. It has allowed mandals to cover idols with plastic while being brought to pandals and taken out for immersion.

The BMC is the implementing agency for the plastic ban in Mumbai.

The exemption was given after a meeting between municipal officials and members of Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshostsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), the umbrella body of Ganesh mandals in the city.

HT had in June reported that BSGSS wrote to the state government, seeking relief for Ganesh idols.

However, the Bombay high court (HC) had two weeks ago ordered that thermocol, or polystyrene foam, can no longer be used for decorations during Ganeshotsav.

“It was a routine meeting with Samanvay Samiti and we discussed the use of plastic this festival season. They wanted approval for plastic use to cover idols, like plastic used for umbrella and raincoat, and covering of houses. The intention of the law isn’t to ban these because they can be reused,” said Nidhi Chaudhari, deputy municipal commissioner (special).

Chaudhari lauded a plan by mandals to use butter paper for prasad. “We have been told that mandals will follow the thermocol ban and would opt for ecofriendly alternatives for decorations. All 10,800 mandals will spread awareness about the ban,” Chaudhari said.

Naresh Dahibavkar, president, BSGSS, said the exemption will help sculptors because idols made of shadu clay take longer to dry. “Another concern was that with thermocol being banned, the rate of cardboards has gone up, and not all mandals can afford it. We have requested the BMC to ensure a subsidised cardboard alternative,” said Dahibavkar.

He added that earlier too mandals had worked with the central government to spread awareness about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and have refused to accept advertisements by tobacco manufactures.