NAGPUR, august 5, 2013: Almost 90% individuals and associations have demanded a blanket ban on plaster of paris (PoP) idols, saying regulations alone cannot meet the purpose of ending water pollution. All of them also opposed Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) plans to ban immersion of all idols in water bodies.

With only one day left for submitting suggestions and objections on NMC's draft policy, nine submissions have been received by the health department. After receiving submissions on Monday, the health department will table the draft policy along with suggestions and objections before the general body. The approved draft policy would then be submitted to the state government for implementation.

The NMC draft policy proposes ban on immersion of all types of idols in water bodies and restrictions on PoP idols, citing its inability to enforce a complete ban. Of total nine submissions, eight are against PoP idols while one is in favour. Eight of the submissions are from idol makers or people associated with them, while only one NGO Nisarg Vidnyan Mandal has come forward to submits its views.

Nisarg Vidnyan Mandal's Vijay Ghuge supported all provisions in the draft policy and was the only one to support total ban of idols in water bodies. Ghuge suggested various measures to ensure prevention of water pollution.

Clay idol makers have opposed the draft policy and demanded ban on PoP idols. They include secretary of Kumbhar Pragati Mandal Prabhakar Walde, resident of Bangladesh Rupesh Walde, resident of Hansapuri Amrutlal Prajapati, resident of Juni Mangalwari Ravi Kapate, secretary of Hasta Shilpi Bahuddeshiya Seva Sahakari Sanstha Prabha Ghate and Nitin Mahulak. Of the remaining two, one is not named and probably an idol maker. The last submissions is from spokesperson of Nag Vidarbha Murtikar and Vikreta Mahasangh Ankush Yelne.

Yelne has supported the draft policy aiming to regulate PoP idols, instead of a complete ban. "NMC should follow the order of National Green Tribunal, which set aside the ban introduced by the Government of Gujarat," he said, also opposing NMC's plan to ban immersion of all idols in water bodies.

Many clay idols makers have demanded separate market places for idols made of natural clay. They asked NMC to provide such special areas, which would prevent devotees from being cheated. "Makers of clay idols are vanishing due to availability of cheap PoP idols. NMC general body passed a resolution on August 28, 2012, placing a ban on PoP idols and should be firm on its decision. We saw last year that NMC cannot regulate the PoP idols," he said.

Sources at NMC told TOI the corporators will also register strong objection on plans to ban immersion of all types of idols in water bodies, while pressing for total ban on making and sale of PoP idols.

Source: The Timeas of India, DT. August 5, 2013.