Kingsize festivities: Durga pandals defy ban, order large idols

BHOPAL: Despite a 'mutual decision' taken by the district administration and puja committees on idols measuring more than six feet, many Durga pandals have ordered big idols of the Goddess for the nine-day festival, beginning September 25. A decision was taken following a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order for an eco-friendly puja. The district collector also had a meeting with various puja committee members to create awareness on making festivals more eco-friendly and prohibition of idols measuring more than six feet.However, committee members of pandals are all set to flout the decision during this Navratri.
District collector Nishant Warwade told TOI, "Although it wasn't a written order that was issued, we reached an agreement with the committee members that they would limit the height of idols to six feet. I am very happy with the response we got which was around 80% in Ganesha festival. I am also hopeful for the same response in Navratri."
Regional officer of MP Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) P S Bundela told TOI, "These are not new orders. The standing orders continue after a decision was taken before the Ganesh puja festival."
However, when TOI pointed out that various pandals have ordered for bigger idols as tall as 18 feet, Bundela said MPPCB would monitor the immersion part of the festival.
Bundela said, "The civic body (Bhopal Municipal Corporation) has been communicated the orders and they are to monitor the implementation."
"As for MPPCB, we would collect samples pre, during and post immersion, to analyze the effect it has on water body," he said. However, some idol makers currently in the city from West Bengal said that they made idols according to the orders placed with them.
"We were given orders, even before Ganesh Puja. Most are more than 6 feet height. Also, it takes a long time to make the big idols and we have to abide by what the customers say. Who wants to suffer losses?" said an idol maker.