Pop Idols in Mumbai: Murtiqars Share Challenges and Alternatives for Large Idols -

With ganeshotsav just Around the corner, Mumbai’s Murtikars (Idol Makers) are Once Again in the Spotlight, but this year under a different set of challenges.

No ban, but conditions apply

There is currently no ban on manufacturing or selling pop idols in Mumbai. In June 2025, The Bombay High Court Lifted Its Earlier Ban, Permiting Pop Idols Under Strict Conditions. While the court has now allowed the manufacturing and sell of pop idols to resume, it made it clear Authorities Believe This Compromise Addresses BOTH Environmental Concerns and Artisans’ Livelihoods, Ensuring Pop Idols Do Not End Up Polluting Natural Water Bodies LIKES LIKES, Lakes, Lakes, Lakes, and The Sea.An artisan painting a Lord Ganesha Idol at the Parel Workshop in Mumbai. Pic/ ronak mastakar

Why the restrictions?

Pop Idols Take Months to Dissolve, Releasing Harmful Chemicals and Gypsum that degrade water quality and threaten aquatic life. Following directions from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has enforced stricter monitoring this year.

“Pop Idols Release Pollutants Into Water Bodies. Traditions cannot come at the cost of the environment,” said a bmc official.

Murtikars speake

Artisans say the back-second on the pop ban has created confusion and stress during their business season.

“The high court first banned pop idols and then lifted the ban. Because of the late decision, mandals placed orders at the last minute, forcing us to work day and night,” Said raju shinde, who maks ganpati Idols as Tall as 25–30 feet at the parel railway workshop.

“I don’t think pop should be banned. It is not harmful if handled properly,” he added.

Uday Ramkrishna Khatu, a Well-Known Murtikar from Lalbaug, Expressed Similar Concerns. “Because of the earlier ban and later relaxation, pricing and manpower have ben badly affected. Many of us had to decline orders. INTEAD of Banning Pop, Authorities Should of IDOLD of IDOLTE of IDOLD Ideally Between 6 to 8 Feet. “Raju Shinde at Parel Workshop in Mumbai. Pic/ ronak mastakar

Lack of support from bmc

Several Artisans also Complain of insufficient help from Civic Authorities. “BMC is not supporting murtikars. It has not allotted spaces for us to build idols despite a state government resolution instruction direct

For Mumbai’s Idol Makers, Ganeshotsav is their main source of income. Despite the rest from the court, challenges remain. Pop Idols are cheaper to make, While Clay and eco-friendly materials are more expensive and take longer to mold and dry. Devotees also find clay idols heavy and fragile compared to lightweight pop versions.

“We have been making pop idols for decades. Another Artisan from Lalbaug, Added, “Pop Allows us to make large idols with fin detailing. With Clay, the finish is not the same.

Alternatives to Pop

Despite Hurdles, eco-friendly Idols are slowly gaining attention. Shadu Mati (Natural Clay) Idols Dissolve Easily In Water, While Papier-Mache Idols are lightweight, biodegradable, and versatile. Cow Dung Idols Dissolve Quickly and Enrich The Soil. Many Families are also opting for Reusable Idols Made of Brass, Silver, Or Stone. Seed-Ganesha Idols, Made of Clay Mixed With Seeds, Sprout Into Plants after immersion, adding a sustainable touch to the festival.

“Eco-friendly idols not only Reduce Pollution but also symbolise returning to natural,” said girgaon resident milind vanarese.

Government and Civic Efforts

To enforce the new rules, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is setting up Hindreds of Artificial Ponds Across the City. “We Urge Citizens to Adopt eco-friendly idols and make use of artificial ponds.

While Pop Idols are permitted Again, The Restrictions Mein Mumbai’s Murtikars MUST Adapt Quickly. Experts say subsidies for eco-friendly raw materials, training for artisans, and awaareness campaigns for devotees can ease the transition.

As one young artisan from dadar puts it: “We want to protect the environment too. All we need is some support so our art and livelihood survive along with tradition.”

Ganeshotsav, after all, celebrates creation and harmony. This year, the challenge is ensuring that devotion and sustainability go hand in hand.

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Ramesh Ghorai is the founder of www.livenewsblogger.com, a platform dedicated to delivering exclusive live news from across the globe and the local market. With a passion for covering diverse topics, he ensures readers stay updated with the latest and most reliable information. Over the past two years, Ramesh has also specialized in writing top software reviews, partnering with various software companies to provide in-depth insights and unbiased evaluations. His mission is to combine news reporting with valuable technology reviews, helping readers stay informed and make smarter choices.