GHMC to distribute free clay Ganesh idols

Hyderabad: With Ganesh Chaturthi approaching, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) are stepping up efforts to promote eco-friendly celebrations by distributing over 2.33 lakh clay Ganesha idols free of cost across the city. The initiative aims to discourage the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, which pose a threat to water bodies during immersion.

As part of the State government’s ‘Eco Ganesha, Green Ganesha, Clay Ganesha’ campaign, the GHMC will distribute one lakh clay idols this year. The idols will be made available through circles and zonal offices to devotees, Colony Welfare Associations and organisers of Ganesh mandaps.

GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan said 70,000 of the idols would be eight inches, 20,000 one foot and 10,000 1.5 feet in size. The idols are made of natural clay and biodegradable materials without artificial additives.

The HMDA will distribute another 1.33 lakh clay idols, including 80,000 eight-inch and 53,000 one-foot idols, free of cost at 31 locations till Sunday, September 13. Three mobile distribution centres will also operate from Bagh Lingampally, covering residential welfare associations and areas including Miyapur, Madhapur and KPHB.

Meanwhile, the Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation (MMC) and Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) are also distributing clay idols.

The GHMC is also promoting responsible immersion practices by placing separate bins at immersion points for flowers, garlands and other puja material. Officials warned that dumping such waste into lakes, nalas or on roads could choke drains, cause waterlogging and foul odour, and create unhygienic conditions. Devotees have been urged to use the designated bins at immersion ponds.

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The Hans India