NTR District Creates World Record With 7,730 Eco-Friendly Clay Ganesh Idols

VIJAYAWADA: NTR district has entered the World Book of Records (London) by preparing 7,730 eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols, setting a new global record. The initiative, jointly organised by the district administration, Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), and the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (PCB) aimed at creating environmental awareness during the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.

Maharashtra held the earlier record with 4,464 clay Ganesh idols.

World Book of Records joint secretary (South India) Dr. U. Elijah made the formal announcement and presented the world record certificate and medal to NTR district collector Dr. G. Lakshmisha.

Dr. U. Elijah appreciated the collective contribution of students, associations and officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Health and Family Welfare minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav described the achievement as a milestone, linking cultural traditions with environmental responsibility. He said such initiatives help inculcate sensitivity towards nature among children from a young age.

The minister thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and Education minister Nara Lokesh for granting permissions and free electricity to the pandals where Ganesha idols have been installed. He requested Ganesh Utsav committees to maintain the discipline and sanctity of the occasion. He appreciated that like Plaster of Paris and chemical colours, which contribute to health hazards, have been avoided.

Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath alias Chinni asked people to make the upcoming Ganesh festivities in Vijayawada a model for other districts. Vijayawada Central MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao wanted zero use of Plaster of Paris and artificial colours in idol-making in future.

AP Pollution Control Board chairman P. Krishnayya appreciated the collective action to reduce air pollution in cities like Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.”Protecting River Krishna from pollution is a collective duty,” he remarked.

District collector Dr. G. Lakshmisha revealed that nearly 20 schools, colleges and 20 associations partnered in the event, along with the PCB and VMC.

Vijayawada police commissioner S.V. Rajashekhar Babu appealed to organisers to strictly adhere to noise pollution regulations during the Ganesh festivities.

Those present on the occasion included joint collector S. Ilakkiya, VMC commissioner H.M. Dhyanachandra, RDO K. Chaitanya, PCB executive engineer E. Srinivasa Rao, additional commissioner Dr. D. Chandrasekhar, elected representatives, voluntary organisations, students and officials from multiple departments.