Bengaluru clay idol makers resist eco-friendly push as customers demand painted alternatives

Clay idol makers in Bengaluru say customers continue to favour painted and Plaster of Paris Ganeshas despite government campaigns promoting eco-friendly alternatives ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Demand drives inventory decisions

Shashikumar, a fourth-generation seller from the Kumbara community at Pottery Town, said he now sources idols from Hosur because of space constraints and shortages of clay and skilled labour. While acknowledging PoP idols harm the environment, he said many customers prefer them and makers invest crores in production. He argued awareness efforts must begin in November, immediately after the festival, when makers commit money to materials and labour, not at the last minute when stock has already entered the market.

Large idols measuring six to 12 feet cannot be made from clay because they become too heavy to lift and difficult to structure, so all such pieces use PoP and paper, Shashikumar explained. PoP materials mould easily into designs and dry within six hours, allowing colours to be sprayed immediately, whereas clay idols must be prepared three months ahead to dry properly before painting.

Economics of eco-friendly production

Fellow Kumbara community member Govardhan said only around 200 families traditionally buy clay idols from his shop, far fewer than those ordering moulded, coloured ones. Making a larger number of eco-friendly idols would result in losses, so his stock includes more coloured pieces than handmade plain ones.

Sourcing clay has become harder as lakes have shrunk, forcing sellers to buy soil from areas such as Bagalur Road and Hoskote; a small load costs ₹12,000. Govardhan said water paint has replaced poisonous oil paint and is chemical-free.

Nandeesh from Bettahalsuru, who makes only eco-friendly idols, disputed that claim, saying water paints do contain chemicals and leave residue in water bodies. To protect lakes, he produces plain clay idols priced between ₹50 and ₹500, limiting himself to 1.5-foot pieces.

Enforcement push

Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced a Special Operation Team to prevent manufacturing and sale of PoP Ganesha idols, assisted by local police and other departments. The team inspected 214 shops and warehouses across 13 districts where idols were made without following guidelines, confiscating 1,283 pieces. Reddy urged the public to buy eco-friendly idols and help save lakes.

Source: The Hindu