While artisans are busy making idols for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations that begin on August 31, the city administration has initiated measures to promote eco-friendly idols and discourage those made of Plaster of Paris and synthetic colours.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has decided to set an example by installing clay Ganesh idols at key locations besides the premises of its zonal and circle offices as part of the exercise to encourage idols that do not add to the pollution of water bodies upon immersion.
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Growing popularity of clay idols
Additionally, details of clay idol makers in the city as well as their contact numbers will be displayed near the idols. This will be done to disseminate information about artisan makers making eco-friendly Ganesha idols for citizens and those setting up pandals.
A clay Ganesh idol was installed at the GHMC LB Nagar zonal office on Tuesday and one is expected to be installed at the Secunderabad zonal office within the next few days.
With Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations scheduled to commence on August 31, the civic body has decided to coordinate in advance, starting now, with Ganesh pandal organizers and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and assist them in selecting eco-friendly idols. The initiative would also aim to educate idol makers about the environmental impact of PoP and synthetic colours.
A GHMC official said: “We will run awareness campaigns to discourage the use of idols made of Plaster of Paris with the help of RWAs, elected representatives, and NGOs.
Aside from the GHMC, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) will also distribute clay idols ahead of the festival, and the State government will encourage those who make clay idols.
As a result of the High Court’s order prohibiting the immersion of PoP idols in water bodies, Hussain Sagar and other water bodies where idols are immersed will be closely monitored this year, the official said.
“We are currently working to raise awareness about the harmful effects on water bodies of immersion of PoP idols,” the official said.
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