A severe shortage of clay has brought Durga Puja preparations in Kumartuli to a standstill, also affecting the production of other earthenware items. On Monday, artisans organized a rally from Ramlila Maidan to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation building, demanding a regularized supply of clay to save the industry. A delegation also submitted a memorandum to the government at Nabanna.
New Regulations Trigger Crisis
The crisis erupted after the newly formed BJP government intensified its crackdown on illegal soil mining. The administration tightened rules on clay extraction from riverbanks, mandating that only licensed individuals could extract clay. However, those involved in clay extraction, particularly in Diamond Harbour, claim that extraction has been completely banned.
An artisan lamented, "The previous government took no action against the soil mafia, but the sudden crackdown has made it difficult for us to meet the deadline. We urge the new government to save our livelihood."
Artisans Voice Concerns
Mintu Paul, a Kumartuli artisan, stated, "The required clay has not arrived yet. We are clueless about how we will complete the Durga idols on time. Some of us went to Diamond Harbour and met the administration and police to solve this deadlock."
Pashupati Rudra Pal, another artisan, explained, "We have made a structure by binding straw, but it cannot be left without a clay coating. We applied a layer of 'Ganga mitti,' but it is not as firm as clay, so we will have to start afresh, which will raise the price as well."
Artisans also noted that laborers have already arrived from the districts but have no work. Indranil Pal, an artisan, said, "The people who come every year during this period cannot be sent back."
Impact on Earthen Products
The clay shortage has also caused earthen products to disappear from the market. Sankar Ghosh Dastidar, a tea-stall owner, remarked, "The supply of earthen cups has stopped. Since plastic cups are not allowed, I have to shift to paper cups, which are costly."
Artisans fear that if the crisis continues, the iconic Durga idols may not be ready in time for the festival, and the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the clay industry will be jeopardized.
