Free distribution of eco-friendly clay Ganesha idols has started in Hyderabad. The idols are being distributed at 150 ward offices of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). A total of 4,64,200 clay Ganesh idols will be given out for free in the city until September 17.
Each ward will receive 2,500 eco-friendly idols, which will be distributed by the ward officer and AMOH at the ward and circle levels respectively. The State government is promoting the use of eco-friendly idols for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi distributed clay idols of Ganesh to the officers and staff at the GHMC headquarters.
The Mayor emphasized that everyone should worship clay idols during Ganesh Chaturthi to protect the environment. She encouraged the use of clay idols instead of those made with harmful materials like PoP, which can cause damage to the environment. The Mayor also urged people to use clay idols not only at home but also in pandals where community celebrations take place.
According to GHMC, three different sizes of clay idols will be distributed to devotees, mandap organizers, and colony welfare associations free of cost. The sizes include 2.70 lakh idols of 8 inches, 30,000 idols of 1 foot, and 10,000 idols of 1.5 feet. The GHMC is conducting awareness programs in all circle offices across Greater Hyderabad.
The GHMC plans to distribute over 4.64 lakh clay idols in all ward office premises within GHMC between September 15 and 17. Distribution will be done through GHMC, HMDA, and Pollution Control Board. Each zone will receive a specific number of idols, with LB Nagar receiving 66,500, Charminar receiving 93,600, Khairatabad receiving 80,100, Serilingampally receiving 42,900, Kukatpally receiving 58,600, and Secunderabad receiving 76,500. HMDA will distribute 79,000 idols of 8 inches, while the Pollution Control Board will distribute 75,000 idols of the same size. An additional 46,000 clay idols will be allocated at the GHMC head office.
Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi recently held a meeting with officials from various departments to ensure smooth arrangements for the Ganesh festivities. The GHMC will be responsible for erecting barricades, sanitation, public toilets, health camps, boats, swimmers, continuous electricity supply, street lights, road repairs, pothole filling, fire extinguishers, and drinking water supply.
