Clay idols not in demand: Idol makers

Hyderabad: The financial crisis being faced by idol makers and the lack of space to set up godowns have affected the production of Ganesh idols at Dhoolpet this year.

The overall cost of has increased by 12-15 per cent. The idol makers have appealed to the government to give them some land on lease and loans from the banks at lower rates. They say that people choose not to make eco-friendly Ganesh idols because of the high cost in terms of material, labour, maintenance etc. “Clay idols cannot be taller than 8 ft. But the demand is for much bigger idols.

We are facing major financial problems and cannot afford to make eco-friendly idols,” said Raj Singh, an idol maker.