PoP idols dominate Vizag despite green push

Despite a sustained campaign by the district administration, GVMC and environmental groups to promote eco-friendly Ganesh celebrations, Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols continued to dominate sales and immersion sites across the city this year.

Hundreds of PoP idols were immersed at RK Beach, Jodugullapalem and Rushikonda on Monday and Tuesday. Several idols and broken pieces, along with decorative material, were later washed back onto the shore, highlighting the challenge of managing post-immersion waste.

PoP idols were freely available at several locations, with prices ranging from around ₹100 to several thousand rupees depending on size and design. Despite NGOs, companies, and civic groups distributing clay idols for free, demand for PoP idols remained strong.

“Only around 10 per cent of the idols being sold here are made of clay, while the rest are PoP. People mostly ask for PoP idols, and very few specifically look for clay idols. We are selling according to the demand,” said Rajesh, an idol seller at Kurmannapalem.

Attractive designs and colours appeared to be a major factor behind the preference for PoP idols.

“PoP idols look very attractive. That is the main reason why I bought one. My children also like these idols because of their designs and colours,” said G. Anitha of Bakkannapalem, who bought a PoP idol for ₹350.

Environmentalists have warned that PoP does not dissolve easily in water and can accumulate on the bed and shores of water bodies. Paints and decorative materials used on the idols can also affect water quality and aquatic life.

The large number of PoP idols reaching the sea this year, despite awareness drives and the availability of free clay alternatives, has once again brought eco-friendly festival celebrations into focus.