Venkat Raman
Auckland, September 28, 2019
The South-Indian State of Telangana took another step forward in the protection of the environment with eco-friendly Ganesha Idols distributed before the onset of the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival that was held from September 2, to September 12, 2019.
The Zilla Parishad (District Council) of Vikarabad, a small town of less than 10,000 people located about 75 kms from Hyderabad, the State Capital, made news by distributing 5000 eco-soil-friendly Ganesha idols to families free of cost.
No Pollutants
Stated to be made of clay, the idols stay intact longer and do not contain pollutants to destroy the scarce water resources.
Vikarabad Zilla Parishad Chairperson Sunita Mahender Reddy distributed the Ganesha idols at a ceremony held in the town.
Among those present were Member of the State Legislative Assembly Member Sanjeeva Rao, Members of various Mandals and District and State government officials.
Speaking at the Idol Distribution Ceremony, Ms Reddy said that the Zilla Parishad was proud to be an active participant in protecting the environment.
“Every year, millions of Ganesha idols, made of Plaster of Paris, plastic and other materials, using different coloured paints are immersed into our lakes, rivers and oceans. The original idea of producing Ganesha Idols made of clay was that they are easily dissolved and do not pose a threat to the environment. Our initiative will be of great help,” she said.
Other Gods and Goddesses
As well as Ganesh Idols, images of other Gods and Goddesses including Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, respected as the twin aspects of Positive and Negative Energy and the parents of Lord Ganesha were produced in Vikarabad.
On a related note, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) encouraged people to purchase Ganesha Idols made of clay.
More than 60,000 Images of Lord Ganesha, made our of clay were distributed free through 33 locations in Hyderabad.
State Pollution Control Board officials also arranged for distribution of 164,000 Clay Idols throughout the State.
