Clay idols do not cause environmental damage after immersion in natural water bodies like the plaster of Paris (PoP) ones that have chemical which remain unaltered for a long time in water.

The GST Council had put the tax rate for idols made by using all types of materials in the tax bracket of 28%. Following several representations by the stakeholders, the council decided to bring the tax rate down to 5%.

Artisans in the city claim that the decision will boost the demand for idols made from clay during the 10-day Ganesh festival in the last week of this month.

Kamlakar Arekar, an idol maker, said, "Citizens are nowadays inclined to celebrate the festivals in an eco-friendly manner. The prices of idols made from clay will come down, which will boost demand. Compared to last year, the demand for Shadu made idols has doubled."

Many outfits in the city working for the cause of the environment are making the Shadu clay available for citizens to make idols. The idol makers claim that the bookings for the clay idols starts as early as December. Last year, 60 tonnes of clay was used to make the idols, but the idol makers require 110 tonnes this year.

"The idols made from PoP are cheaper than clay idols as only two to three clay idols can be made in a single day. On other hand, 30 to 40 idols can be made suing PoP, which reduces its cost. Also, for making clay idols, the profit is limited. The reduction in the rate of GST will encourage idol makers to take orders," said Arekar.