Maharashtra proposes three-week PoP idol recycling process before Ganpati
An expert committee has recommended a two-step recycling method for plaster of Paris idols ahead of the Ganpati festival. The process involves three weeks of immersion in artificial tanks followed by grinding and calcination to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Maharashtra's state government has proposed a new recycling approach for plaster of Paris (PoP) idols as the Ganpati festival approaches, according to recommendations submitted by an expert committee to the court on Wednesday.
The committee's report outlines a structured two-step process designed to make idol recycling more efficient and environmentally sustainable. The first phase requires PoP idols to be placed in artificial immersion tanks for a minimum of three weeks. During this period, the paint on the idols dissolves gradually, while the plaster material softens and begins to break down naturally through the immersion process.
The rationale behind this extended immersion period is to prepare the PoP material for the subsequent processing stages. By allowing sufficient time for the paint to dissolve and the plaster to partially disintegrate, the recycling process becomes significantly more efficient. This preparation reduces the energy required during the grinding and calcination stages that follow—the mechanical and thermal processes needed to break down the remaining material into reusable components.
The proposal addresses a long-standing environmental concern in Mumbai and across Maharashtra. Ganpati idol immersion during the 10-day festival generates thousands of tonnes of PoP waste annually. Traditional disposal methods have raised ecological worries, particularly regarding water pollution and waste accumulation. By implementing a structured recycling protocol, the state aims to convert waste into manageable material that can potentially be reused.
The expert committee's submission to the court suggests this methodology balances practical feasibility with environmental responsibility. The three-week immersion phase is deliberately extended to ensure natural dissolution processes occur before energy-intensive mechanical processing begins, potentially lowering operational costs and carbon footprint.
The proposal now awaits further review and approval before implementation. Authorities are expected to coordinate with Ganpati associations, municipal corporations, and environmental organisations to establish artificial immersion tank infrastructure across the state ahead of the festival season.
