Clay flow resumes in Kumartuli, shortage continues

The first lorry-loads of clay rolling into Kumartuli have brought a glimmer of hope to the city's idol-makers. Weeks after Calcutta Times highlighted how disruptions in the supply of entel mati and Ganga mati had stalled workshops, fresh arrivals are finally reaching the artisan hub under a new SOP- and NOC-backed system.

But while chisels and hands are moving again, sculptors say the crisis is far from over, with inadequate supplies, rising costs and fewer orders continuing to threaten the festive season.Administrative intervention eases clay supplyFresh supplies of entel mati (the sticky clay used to shape idol frameworks) and Ganga mati have started reaching Kumartuli from areas such as Diamond Harbour and Uluberia, allowing artisans to gradually resume work.

The situation improved after discussions between the district administration, local leaders and artisan representatives. According to Babu Pal, secretary of Kumartuli Mritsilpa Sanskrity Samity, a new system now allows clay to be collected legally through a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) backed by No Objection Certificates (NOCs), providing clarity to suppliers and transporters.

"Officials have also assured artisans and suppliers that transportation-related issues and extra charges will be addressed, helping ensure a smoother supply of clay in the coming weeks," he said, adding, "We stakeholders are hopeful that the new framework will ensure a smoother flow of raw materials in the coming weeks."

Relief arrives, but challenges remainThe arrival of fresh clay has brought some relief to Kumartuli, enabling many sculptors to resume work after weeks of disruption. However, artisans say the situation remains far from normal. Workshops that would usually be bustling with preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi, Vishwakarma Puja and Durga Puja are still grappling with limited clay supplies, rising costs and fewer orders.Artisan Kalu Pal said the crisis was easing but had not been resolved. "The situation has improved a little compared to before, but it is not like previous years. Prices of clay have gone up while the quantity has come down," he said. While the cost of idol-making has risen, he said artisans are hesitant to increase prices for fear of losing customers. "Competition is very tough, and if we increase our rates too much, we risk losing orders.

As it is, orders for all kinds of idols are lower than usual this year. The clay supply has improved somewhat, but it is still not up to the mark."

Fewer orders, higher costs worry artisansArtisans Jitendranath Pal and Narayan Chandra Pal said orders have been fewer than in previous years. Narayan attributed this season's disruption not to rain but to the prolonged clay shortage. "Many craftsmen had started returning to their hometowns due to the uncertainty, and efforts had to be made to bring them back to resume work," he said.

While clay has started arriving, he added that supplies remain inadequate.

"Last year, one khop cost around ₹1,200. This year, it has gone up to ₹1,500. With the cost of clay and other raw materials rising across the board, an increase in idol prices this year is inevitable."Artisan and clay supplier Ashok Pal said Kumartuli requires around 500 lorry-loads of clay for the festive season. "From May 4, the day election results were declared, until about a week ago, there was virtually no supply. Things have now started moving, but so far only eight lorries have arrived, each carrying 12 khops of clay," he said, adding that the quantity remains far from adequate.

"Hopefully, things will fall into place, as another meeting with the authorities is scheduled to ensure a smooth and steady supply of clay."

AI meets artistry at KumartuliDespite the challenges posed by rising clay costs and supply disruptions, innovation continues to thrive in Kumartuli. Artisan Indrajit Pal is creating what he calls a first-of-its-kind AI-inspired robotic Durga idol for a puja in Uttar Dinajpur. The idol will feature a futuristic, alien-inspired aesthetic, while the pandal will recreate the ambience of outer space. Although the idol itself will not move, specially designed lighting will make the goddess's eyes glow through a concealed wiring system running from the ears to the eyes, adding to the sci-fi effect.

Indrajit also said he is satisfied with the recent improvement in clay supplies, noting that the new procurement system is gradually becoming more organised after weeks of disruption.

Quote blurbs:This time I am making a robotic Durga idol with a futuristic, alien-inspired look. Though the idol won't move, the glowing eyes and space-themed pandal will make it unlike anything seen before – Indrajit PalThis year, demand for sabeki protima has increased by over 90 per cent. We hope puja committees will begin giving baynas (token money deposits) from mid-July onwards – Babu PalPics: Samik Sen