Workshop urges idol makers to go green

BHOPAL: On the orders of National Green Tribunal (NGT), the regional office of MP Pollution Control Board (MMPCB) has organized a three-day workshop on eco-friendly idols ahead of Ganesh and Durga Utsav. More than 100 participants attended the workshop on the first day.
Not just sculptors and idol makers but also housewives participated in the workshop where alternatives to Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols were shown.
Regional officer, Bhopal, PS Bundela said, "This is the first time the PCB has initiated such a kind of exercise. We are hopeful it will create awareness about the importance of conservation of environment and ill-effects of PoP."
One of the eco-friendly idol makers who was teaching participants at the workshop, Ashok Bharadwaj said, "I have been making eco-friendly idols since the last 10 years. It is much more cost effective and doesn't even harm the environment."
He explained to a group of housewives that all one needed was paper, chalk powered and glue.
"That way you could make paper mache which is eco-friendly. Also it dries easily and can be painted upon like regular idols."
Representatives of Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), municipalities of Harda, Sehore and Betul among others were also present. The workshop will conclude on Wednesday.