Plastic curse for Puri potters

Puri: Modern technology has hit many traditional occupations, and potters in and around the Holy City are no exception– use of plastic goods has dealt a body blow to their livelihood.
According to available data, 167 potters’ families are staying in Kumbharpada, Jenapur, Tikarpada and Nuasahi areas of the city. Besides, many members from the potter community are settled on the outskirts too.
These people used to earn their livelihood by making clay pots, water containers, flower pots and other household goods. However, the demand for clay pots has come down drastically with the advent of their plastic variant.
“Earlier, people used clay pots for cooking food, storing water and edibles. Now people are using plastic goods. This has affected our livelihood. We know that plastic is bad for the environment and human health, but still we have done nothing,” said Bimbadhar Bisoyi, a potter from Tikarapada.
Sources said around 60 per cent of potter families in the city have left their traditional occupation and taken up other trades. Only a few families are still making clay pots. “Now, some of our community members are making clay pots only for cooking Mahaprasad at Srimandir,” Bisoyi said.
Odisha Potters’ Association President Saroj Behera blamed mass production of plastic goods for the virtual extinction of pottery.
“Clay water pots were very popular among people during summer. But now people are going for plastic pots and bottles to store water. These plastic containers have turned a health hazard,” he said.
Puri District Potters’ Association Vice President Mahendra Bisoyi urged people to realise the harmful effect of plastic goods. “Clay pots are environment friendly. They have no harmful effect on health. We are harming mother earth by using plastic goods,” he said.