Hyderabad: Green Ganeshas fail to take off as people seek flashy PoP idols

Hyderabad: Despite the push for “green” Ganeshas, the Plaster of Paris Ganesh haven’t lost his charm. The latter is in the market and higher-priced in view of Ganesh Chaturthi, on September 2. This even though the “green” Ganeshas are being manufactured for free distribution by the government.

While traders are not keen on producing large clay idols, citing challenges such as the lack of enthusiasm in the local pandals and the fact that large idols are often damaged before delivery.

An trader in West Marredpally who sells PoP idols from two feet to four feet said: “Mostly, customers ask for flashy idols and not the simple ones. However we do sell smaller clay idols on the day of the festival itself, as the larger ones break while transporting.”

The PoP idol of a four-foot Ganesha costs Rs 10,000. Some are imported from Surat as well, where two-foot Ganesha costs around Rs 9,000, but on prior order.

The Pollution Control Board’s (PCB) “green” Ganeshas will be ready for order by Monday. These idols are limited to eight inches this year, however.

“Last time, we went ahead with five-foot idols but they were damaged in transportation. So to be on the safe side, we are opting for eight-inch Ganeshas which would be distributed freely,” said a PCB official.

Like last year, PCB has placed orders for 1.6 lakh eight-inch idols out of which one lakh would be distributed in the city with the help of GHMC and other departments.

The other 60,000 would be distributed in the nearby districts.

Five agencies were roped in through e-tender process.