As Surat gears up for Ganeshotsav, a local sculptor has introduced a unique eco-friendly Ganesh idol that dissolves within 20 minutes of immersion, offering a sustainable alternative to Plaster of Paris (POP) idols.
Amid the rising concern over the environmental impact of POP idols, idol maker Suresh Korpe from Palanpur has created idols using a special mix of sticky clay and natural watercolors. Unlike conventional clay idols, which are layered with multiple coats of paint and take longer to dissolve, Korpe’s innovation ensures quick and clean immersion — a feature that has drawn strong interest from devotees who prefer hassle-free visarjan at home.
Sharing the process, Korpe explained, “The idol is sprayed with natural watercolors over black clay, without heavy layering. This combination makes it dissolve almost instantly in water.”
Though only a limited number of these idols have been made this year, the response has been encouraging. Korpe says he plans to expand production next year depending on devotees’ feedback.
Beyond convenience, the initiative carries a deeper message — promoting environmental awareness, reducing water pollution, and inspiring the next generation to celebrate Ganeshotsav responsibly.