Rajahmundry: To help make Ganesh Chaturthi celebration eco-friendly, state pollution control board authorities plan to give away as many as 1,900 clay Ganesh idols free in Godavari districts.
In East Godavari, the PCB authorities are distributing 1,500 idols seven and nine inches high. Each idol is crafted at around Rs 12 but the authorities intend to distribute them free of cost. Around 500 each will be distributed at Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Ama-lapuram on September 11 and 12. A booklet on how to perform puja will also be given with the idol. The authorities will also be distributing pamphlets advising people to refrain from use of harmful and synthetic colours o that even if the idol is immersed in water bodies meant for public use, the water will not get polluted.
Sone artists will advise people to prefer clay idols instead of idols made of plaster of paris or other harmful material.
The idols will be distributed near Bhanugudi Centre, Sarpavaram jun-ction, Government hospital at Kakinada, near International Paper and at Kambhala Tank in Rajahmundry and near Clock Tower in Amalapuram.
East Godavari PCB environmental engineer A. Rama Rao Naidu said, "We are giving away the clay idols to devotees free of cost to encourage celebration of the festival in an eco-friendly manner that would not pollute the water bodies with harmful colours and substance used for making idols.
In West Godavari, the authorities are distributing 4,000 clay idols from September 12 evening at Eluru, Bhimavaram and Tanuku in the district. A complimentary jute bag will be given with the idol advising people not to use plastic carry bags that impact environment badly. A campaign would be launched against the use of plastic carry bags and other material by printing posters and pamphlets to be distributed to people.
