Plaster of Paris still rules the roost

• Promotion and awareness campaigns for clay Ganesha idols notwithstanding, Plaster of Paris idols are still popular

• All pandal organisers prefer PoP idols to clay idols, contending that the latter won't be attractive

Vanasthalipuram: "Use clay idols - Save nature" campaign by corporators, policemen and political party leaders have had little effect. The Vanasthalipuram to Hayatnagar stretch is full of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols in various sizes and shapes. Pandal organisers in various colonies still opt for PoP idols as the finish is smooth and different colours could be used.

Close to 400 to 500 idols of 3.5 feet and above are prepared by each idol maker in Hyderabad. The fact that almost all idols are sold goes to show the popularity. Idol makers say that sales are better when compared to the previous year.

"We have been selling Ganesh idols for the past 8 years. The sales are increasing year on year. Last year, we made 500 idols only and 70 idols were left unsold. So we didn't increase the number as it is risky. This year, due to lot of pandals in every area, all the idols are sold out," says Bhanwar Lal, a PoP idol maker at Vanasthalipuram.

"Sales of idols which are used in houses have declined this year as clay idols are freely distributed by government departments and NGOs. I made 550 idols and almost all are sold," says Sundar, a PoP idol maker at Bhagyalatha Nagar.

"Though we all are aware of pollution caused by PoP idols, we can't avoid using them because of the grandeur. Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi has become a fad. All pandal organisers look for big idols . If we arrange clay idols, it won't be attractive to the people," says Ravindar Goud, a Ganesh pandal organiser in Narayanguda.