GHMC to distribute 3 lakh clay Ganesha idols

Hyderabad: The GHMC will distribute about 3 lakh clay Ganesha idols for free in its zonal offices and all GHMC circles, even as ministers Indrakaran Reddy and
Talasani Srinivas Yadav urged people to use the eco-friendly idols for the
Ganesh Chaturthi festival that begins on August 31.

Each idol being distributed is 1.5 feet tall.

Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi also appealed to citizens to use clay idols for
the celebrations. The distribution programme started from Saturday. The
zonal commissioners have been instructed to get another one lakh idols
prepared and distribute them.

On Saturday, Indrakaran Reddy and Talasani Srinivas Yadav, under the
auspices of Telangana State Pollution Control Board, initiated the
distribution of 1.4 lakh clay Ganesha idols at the Secunderabad Ganesh
temple. They said idols made of plaster of paris, and the added colours and
chemicals were causing severe damage to the environment, and urged people to
use clay idols in mandaps as well as houses.

Earlier, the Ministers offered special pooja to the deity at the Ganesha
temple.

They urged the people to use Ganesha idols made of clay which are
environmentally friendly, instead of using those made with Plaster of Paris
which also have harmful colours and chemicals that can cause severe damage
to the environment.

Ministers Indrakaran Reddy, and Srinivas Yadav said distribution centres for
clay idols have been set up to help people secure eco-friendly idols. They
said clay idols should be used not just at homes but also at pandals where
community celebrations of the festival are held.