Mumbai, June 8, 2025 — With the ban on Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols firmly in place, Mumbai is witnessing a significant shift toward eco-conscious Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations this year. Around 40% of the city’s idol makers have switched to using Shadu clay and other sustainable materials, signaling growing awareness and adaptation to environmentally friendly practices.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has bolstered this movement by distributing a record-breaking 630 tonnes of Shadu clay across the city—up from 619 tonnes in 2024 and 451 tonnes in 2023. The clay, offered free of charge to artisans, is accompanied by designated installation zones allotted on a first-come-first-served basis, streamlining the festival’s preparations.
Despite the ban, many large Ganeshotsav mandals continue to commission towering idols, some exceeding 18 feet in height—posing challenges for artisans working exclusively with Shadu clay. Nevertheless, civic authorities are encouraging broader adoption of eco-friendly materials and have reached out to Konkan Divisional Commissioners to promote Shadu clay among regional idol makers as well.
Naresh Dahibavkar, president of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), acknowledged the evolving landscape. “Although the Bombay High Court is scheduled to hear the matter of PoP usage on Monday, nearly 40% of artisans have already adopted alternatives due to the limited time available for preparations,” he said. He added that the BMC is also gathering data from mandals on idol height and may consider imposing restrictions based on safety and environmental concerns.
Veteran artisan Ashok Kadu, president of the Paramparik Murtikar Hastakala Karagir Sangh, welcomed the shift. “PoP idols are environmentally damaging, and seeing them half-dissolved after immersion is heartbreaking. I’ve been crafting idols with Shadu clay for 50 years and continue to promote its use for the sake of our rivers and sea,” he shared.
According to BMC’s distribution data, the G North ward—encompassing Dadar, Mahim, and Dharavi—received the highest quantity of Shadu clay at 85 tonnes. Other wards with significant allocations include Ghatkopar’s N ward (70 tonnes), Andheri East’s K East (67 tonnes), and F South ward—which covers Girgaon, Chinchpokli, Lalbaug, and Hindmata—at 56 tonnes.
The rising popularity of Shadu clay signals not just compliance with civic regulations, but a broader cultural shift toward more sustainable and respectful celebrations of Maharashtra’s most cherished festival.
