Haveri
With Ganesh Chaturthi just days away, traditional clay idol makers in Haveri are facing renewed competition from cheaper and attractive Plaster of Paris (POP) idols. Artisans say the growing sale of PoP idols is reducing demand for handmade clay Ganesha idols and putting the livelihood of traditional families at risk.
POP idols require less labour and can be produced much faster than clay idols. While a handmade clay idol may take around three days to prepare, several PoP idols can be completed in a single day using moulds. Their smooth finish and lower prices have made them popular among buyers. Artisans allege that POP idols are being brought from other places and given final touches at secluded locations before being sold.
Traditional idol maker Sanjeev Kumar said the situation had severely affected families that had preserved the craft for generations. He said Haveri district once had nearly 5,000 families making clay Ganesha idols, but only around 40 families are now engaged in the traditional craft. He said the higher cost and labour involved in clay idols make it difficult for artisans to compete with cheaper ready-made PoP products.
Another artisan, Mounesh Kammar, warned that POP idols could harm water bodies after immersion. Unlike clay idols, POP does not dissolve easily in water and can contribute to pollution and affect aquatic life. He urged people to choose environmentally friendly clay idols and demanded strict action against those manufacturing or selling PoP idols.
Haveri Deputy Commissioner Dr Vijayamahantesh Danammanavar said authorities had already issued guidelines and held meetings with concerned officials ahead of the festival. He urged people to use clay idols made with natural colours and avoid practices that damage the environment. He said pollution-control teams had conducted inspections at several locations and assured that authorities would seize POP idols if they were found before installation.
