NMC seeks proposals for disposal of seized PoP idols
Nagpur Municipal Corporation
(NMC) is still grappling with the problem if disposing of 1,375 Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols seized during last year's Ganeshotsav. In an attempt to find a sustainable and scientific solution, a recent meeting was chaired by additional municipal commissioner Vasumana Pant with representatives from multiple institutions.During the meeting, the Institute of Science expressed interest in managing the disposal process through chemical treatment.
The institute proposed converting the PoP from the idols into powder and then using that to manufacture chalks and slates. The civic body asked the institute to submit a detailed project proposal outlining the process.Last year, before Ganeshotsav, NMC's nuisance detection squad confiscated 1,375 PoP idols from sculptors across all 10 zones of the city. Though the civic body approached the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for guidance on proper disposal, no concrete action plan was provided, leaving the matter unresolved.In light of the impasse, NMC has now begun consulting environmental and scientific organisations. The meeting saw participation from deputy municipal commissioner Rajesh Bhagat, chief sanitation officer Dr Gajendra Mahalle, director of Govt Institute of Science Dr Anjali Rahatgaonkar, Dr Anagha Patil, Neeri senior scientist Krishna Khairnar, MPCB sub-regional officer Dhanashree Patil, Green Vigil Foundation's Surabhi Jaiswal, Mehul Kosurkar, and others.Dr Rahatgaonkar and Dr Patil expressed willingness to use Neeri's technology to help manage the idol waste. They proposed a dual-purpose initiative — first converting the PoP into reusable powder using chemical processes, and then repurposing the material into educational tools like chalk and slates. While Neeri has not permitted use of the technology on a large scale yet, it has agreed to support the institute with technical assistance.This method is seen as a meaningful approach — ensuring
environmentally responsible idol disposal
while providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. NMC, however, clarified that no final decision has been taken. Deputy commissioner Rajesh Bhagat said that proposals are being sought from Neeri and other institutions, and the final course of action will be decided once detailed plans are submitted and reviewed.
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