BMC to provide 25400 litres of free eco friendly paint to Mumbai Ganesh idol makers

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to provide 25,400 litres of free eco-friendly paint to Ganesh idol makers across Mumbai this year. The initiative is designed to prevent toxic water pollution and protect aquatic life during the annual festival. A proposal to procure and distribute these non-toxic paints was scheduled to be placed before the Standing Committee for approval on Wednesday.

This civic decision comes amid growing concerns about the severe environmental and health hazards posed by conventional paints. Traditional paints used by idol makers often contain dangerous heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury. During the immersion of Ganesh idols, these hazardous chemicals leach directly into the city's water bodies, creating a toxic environment for marine ecosystems.

To combat this pollution, the BMC is extending its ongoing efforts to make the festival more sustainable. While the civic body has already been supplying free shadu clay to local artisans to promote the creation of clay idols, it is now addressing the chemical paints used to decorate them. By distributing free eco-friendly paints, the civic body aims to encourage a shift toward completely non-toxic idol making.

Under the proposed scheme, the BMC will distribute the 25,400 litres of paint to idol makers throughout Mumbai's various wards. Ekta Enterprises, which emerged as the lowest bidder in the civic tendering process, has been awarded the contract. The company will handle the supply, transportation, and ward-wise distribution of the eco-friendly paints.

The entire distribution project will cost the BMC Rs. 1.63 crore. To cover the expenses, a sum of Rs. 70 lakh has already been allocated in this year's civic budget under the Deputy Commissioner (Zone II) allocation.