As Ganesh festivities near, Bicholim idol-making artists, who are popular for their craft, have expressed concern over the shortage of idol-making soil in the region.
The Bordem field which has over the years met the demand of artisans is no longer an option for continued supply and this has in turn affected the quality of idols.
Most artists are compelled to procure soil from adjoining areas including Varkhand and Mandrem, while some have been forced to look to neighbouring states to meet the demand. This has inversely affected the cost that has spiralled over the years.
The secretary of the Bicholim Ganesh Idol Makers’ Association Satyawan Harmalkar agreed that procuring soil from Bicholim is becoming increasingly difficult and that artisans were forced to get soil from elsewhere, thus hiking the overall cost of the idol.
He appealed to the government to look into the matter and provide succour to the artists, in form of assistance and privileges.
The practice of making idols in excess is becoming rare due to the non-availability of good quality soil and artisans now only make pre-ordered idols, he added.
