Chennai: The Tamilnadu government’s plastic ban has not only come in handy for nature lovers, but also for those who are involved in pottery business.

Shankar, a clay pot maker from Chengalpattu, says he has received quite a considerable amount of orders for clay pots and tumblers.

He says people do not think about clay items, unless it is Pongal festival.

Now with the implementation of the plastic ban, and Pongal festival around the corner, I am hoping to have good business this year, says the potter.

Speaking about the benefits of using clay products, Shankar says it will not only bring in a change in the life of potters, but also those who use it.

“There are a few medicinal benefits of clay products. They provide natural cooling to water. If proper soil is used, it will have alkaline which helps in improving digestion and metabolism,” he says.

He also welcomed the government’s decision to ban plastic. “The move is the need of the hour as these products were degrading our environment which also led to rise in several diseases,” he adds.

Earlier, people used to buy clay pots only for marriage, house warming and other poojas. But now it will cater to all needs, he says.

Talking about varieties of clay products, Shankar says, “There are all types of kitchen utensils made using clay. You name it and we can make it,” he adds.

Shankar gets the clay for his products from a lake near the Bhairavar temple in the locality.

“I take the clay and soak it in water for one day before using it to make the products. All the pots are handmade with the help of a wheel,” he says.

Report by S Santhana Simon