BMC expo on plastic, thermocol alternatives nowhere in sight

The BMC and the umbrella body Ganpati mandals had decided to organise an exhibition providing plastic and thermocol-free decorating alternatives to Mumbai mandals. It was to be held in early August this year; with Ganesh Chaturthi hardly two weeks away, the exhibition is nowhere in sight.

The civic body, along with Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), was to hold an exhibition in two different parts of the city-- Juhu and Chembur-simultaneously.

"There has not been any update on it. No meeting regarding this is slated to be conducted as well," said Naresh Dahibavkar, president, BSGSS, adding, "It may be due to the online procedure. Civic officers are busy approving applications to mandals for permissions."

However, civic officials said the exhibition was not meant only for Ganeshotsav alternatives but other options in general. "The exhibition proposal is still in process; it has not been sanctioned yet. But nowhere does it mention of being dedicated only to Ganpati decorative alternatives," said Kiran Dighavkar, BMC's nodal officer for Swaccha Bharat Abhiyan.

The exhibition was to offer all decorative materials Mumbaikars can opt for instead of plastic or thermocol. The decision was taken after Thermocol Fabricator and Decoration Association moved the Bombay High Court to allow the sale of thermocol for decoration stating it would hit over 40,000 jobs. However, the court turned down the plea noting it cannot ignore the adverse effects of plastic waste on the environment. While most mandals had forgotten about the exhibition entirely, ones bringing household Ganpatis had been waiting for the exhibition.