Artisans from Rajasthan, Kolkata descend in Vizag for business

Visakhapatnam: As Vinayak Chaturthi is fast approaching, artisans from Rajasthan, Kolkata and other cities have descended to the port city to make a quick buck during the festive month.

The outskirts of Visakhapatnam and neighbourhoods like Yendada are flocked with artisans giving their heart and soul in making the idols of Lord Ganesha by working round the clock.

When asked, about the raw material they use for the making of Lord Ganesha, Kishore, an artisan who was giving finishing touches to the Lord, responds, "We use 'khadiya mitti' (chalk soil) which is mostly found in Rajasthan as our medium and for colours we use water colours. Moreover, we decorate it based on the orders we receive from our customers. Most of the city people demand bright colours like golden, yellow and red, while some of them forward photos through WhatsApp."

Well, some the artisans continued making big idols with Plaster of Paris which contains sulphur, gypsum, phosphorus, magnesium, among other artificial colours which contain lead, mercury, calcium and carbon. However, these PoP idols when submerged in water during immersion cause hazardous impact on marine life. When asked the artisans why are they sticking to PoP and not opting eco-friendly methods, an artisan responds, "Since 2002, we are into this business. We end up making PoP idols as many opt for the PoP because of the vibrant colours that come along with it and of course, the cost factor."

Green Climate Team founder J V Ratnam says, "Many in the city worship idols made with harmful and synthetic colours which is against the norms of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines."

However, some of the entrepreneurs are promoting the use of eco-friendly Ganesha. Some corporate offices are taking an effective measure to spread awareness among their employees. Rima Jha from a corporate sector says, "We have been receiving a cute eco-friendly idol of Lord Ganesha since 2017 and we are hoping to receive this year as well."