Goa, Aug. 4 -- As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, MLA Premendra Shet has weighed in on the ongoing debate over the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) versus clay idols, stating that while PoP idols are actually more expensive, they remain popular due to their convenience and finish.

"If you compare the price of PoP and clay Ganesh idols, the PoP idols actually cost more than the clay ones. But people find PoP idols convenient because they're lighter in weight and have 10% better finishing than the clay idols. That's why people go for PoP idols," Shet explained.

His comments come amid growing environmental concerns over the use of PoP, which does not dissolve easily in water and can harm aquatic life. Environmentalists and government bodies have...