Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) will distribute 1 lakh clay Ganesh idols free of cost this year as part of its eco-friendly Ganesh festival initiative.
The move comes amid growing preference for clay idols among devotees. It is also aimed at reducing the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, which can harm water bodies during immersion.
The initiative is being implemented under the Telangana government’s ‘Eco Ganesha, Green Ganesha, Clay Ganesha’ campaign.
GHMC to Distribute Clay Ganesh Idols Through Circles and Zonal Offices
According to GHMC officials, the clay Ganesh idols will be distributed through circles and zonal offices during the second week of September.
Devotees, colony welfare associations and organisers of Ganesh mandaps will be eligible to receive the idols.
The one lakh idols will be distributed in three sizes:
- 70,000 eight-inch idols
- 20,000 one-foot idols
- 10,000 1.5-foot idols
GHMC has fixed maximum permissible prices of ₹34.30 for an eight-inch idol, ₹142 for a one-foot idol and ₹220 for a 1.5-foot idol for procurement.
Agencies will be selected through a tender process. The lowest quoted rate for each idol category will be adopted.
The selected agencies will have to deliver the idols to designated locations within GHMC limits at their own cost. The idols must be supplied at least one week before the festival.
Natural Clay and Biodegradable Materials to Be Used
Officials said the initiative received an encouraging response from the public last year.
The idols procured this year will be made using natural clay and biodegradable materials without artificial additives.
The use of artificial colours, non-biodegradable chemical dyes and oil paints will not be permitted.
The GHMC initiative is aimed at promoting environmentally friendly celebrations and reducing pollution in Hyderabad’s water bodies during Ganesh idol immersion.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
