As Ganeshotsav is nearing, a host of activities are being conducted across the city with an aim to move towards zero waste Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Government bodies, NGOs, even travel companies are contributing to the cause of eco-friendly Ganeshotsav.
The Punaravartan campaign, a collaborative effort of around 20 NGOs and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), is trying to set up a closed loop of supply chain of shaadu clay collected from households and getting it delivered to Ganesh sculptors. The campaign has been introduced not only to prevent people from using Ganesh idols made of plaster of paris, but also prevent dumping of non-renewable clay in natural water bodies and avoiding accumulation of clay deposits in them.
Manisha Sheth, founder of eCoexist Foundation, who started the Punaravartan campaign in 2020, said, “We would like to make this a nationwide campaign so that this festival becomes completely eco-friendly. All the materials used in the festival should be either compostable, reusable or recyclable.” Sheth said they are approaching Ganesh mandals and Dhol pathaks, given their large reach and network to spread the message.
The Punaravartan campaign is aiming for higher clay collection this year. Suchismita Pai, one of the members of the campaign, said, “Last year, we collected 23,000kgs of clay. This year, we are hoping to collect more.”
The amount of clay collected last year was given to four artisans free of cost and MIT Loni. Each artisan was given between five to eight tonnes of clay. The target for this year is at least ten artisans from Pune and more from other cities.
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“Five tonnes of clay saves up to Rs 40,000 for each artisan. They can make around 2,000 idols from it and sell it at an average of Rs 300 each, which will take their total earning to around Rs 6 lakh,” said Sheth. The state government is offering free clay to the artisans up to a budget of Rs 1.8 crore. This expense can be saved by recycling the clay.
Amena Sukhsarwala, a volunteer with Manav, one of the NGOs collaborating in the Punaravartan campaign, said, “People are usually amazed when we get in touch with them about clay donation, they are willing to collaborate and spread the word.” Sukhsarwala’s task as a volunteer is to get more people on board, which she says is being done through social media, society groups and family groups.
Ketaki Ghatge from PMC’s Department of Solid Waste Management confirmed that waste management training will be held for the civic staff at the Ghole Road Art Gallery on September 7 to ensure clay is not dumped in natural water bodies.
