Pune based sculptor crafts lord Ganesha from eco- friendly material. One of the major concerns of Ganesh Mahotsav is the massive pollution caused by the drowning of deity in the water, which is usually made of Plaster of Paris and toxic chemical colours which pose great threat to aquatic life.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board released data from year 2019 – 2023 to show that the water pollution of the rivers in Pune significantly rose up during the festival season.
To overcome this an initiative named, the Kasba Ganapati, the first Manache Ganpati, was sculpted by using eco-friendly material by a sculptor Abhijit Dhondphale of Pune.
The mixture used in making the sculpture comprises of 65 percent aluminium oil, 25 percent shadu maati and 10 percent rice bran. This material reduces pollution and protects water from degrading.
Even the Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the contribution of the artist towards sustainability and eco-friendly initiative in his Mann ki Baat, where he highlighted the utter importance of practices which are sustainable in this era.
The artist said, ” I have created an idol that not only adheres to traditional aesthetics but also contributes to environmental conservation.” Which is indeed true.