BMC allows plastic use for covering Ganpatis

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday said that plastic for covering the Ganpati idols in pandals will be allowed. The move came after the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), the umbrella organisation of Ganpati pandals, met BMC officials seeking a relaxation in the use of thermocol for the pandals during the Ganpati festival.  While the civic body maintained that plastic and thermocol are banned for decoration, they said it can be used for covering the idols during monsoon.

The BSGSS had raised concerns over the ban on plastic and thermocol affecting the decorations and maintenance of idols. “Idol makers need plastic covers to protect idols. The clay idols take longer to dry and there is a possibility that they can get sullied when exposed to sunlight, air and moisture. We are happy the BMC has agreed to the use of plastic for covering the idols,” said Narendra Dahibavkar, president of BSGSS.

“Plastic sheets can be used for protecting the idols during monsoon, but it should be recycled or properly disposed. We are asking  Ganpati mandals and idol makers to use decorations made of paper; even for distribution of prasad they can use paper plates,” said Nidhi Choudhari, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, BMC.