Hyderabad is taking steps to encourage the use of eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) plans to give away 100,000 clay idols at no cost to residents. This initiative aims to reduce the use of harmful Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols which can damage the environment. The distribution will happen from August 24 to August 26 at 34 different spots around the city.
For several years, HMDA has been advocating for the use of ‘Eco Ganesha’, ‘Green Ganesha’, and ‘Clay Ganesha’. These idols do not harm water quality when immersed. Since 2017, HMDA has been providing clay idols for free to decrease the use of PoP idols.
This year, 100,000 clay idols will be distributed to the public and NGOs at 34 locations across Hyderabad. The aim is to protect the environment by minimizing the use of PoP-based idols.
The idols will be available at several key locations, including Silent Valley Hills, KBR Park in Jubilee Hills, IAS Quarters, Banjara Hills, Begumpet, Press Club Hyderabad, Yellamma Temple Balkampet, Peddamma Temple, Jubilee Hills, Rythu Bazar Mehdipatnam, Shilparamam, Madhapur, Shilparamam Uppal, Metro store Kukatpally, Ganesh Temple Secunderabad, HMDA office Maitrivanam, Tank Bund, Secretariat, NTR Gardens, Priyadarshini Park Saroornagar, Rajiv Gandhi Park Vanasthalipuram, Kundan Bagh Begumpet, Durgam Cheruvu, Melkote park Narayanguda, VDP school Lal Darwaza, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Sainikpuri, Vayupuri Recreational centre, Safilguda park, MindSpace Junction, My Home Navadweepa Madhapur, Tarnaka Commercial complex, Indu Aranya Nagole, and HGCL office.
Besides these fixed centers, there will be mobile distribution points at gated communities and Resident Welfare Associations.
HMDA officials, engineers, and staff are involved in this initiative, with supervisory teams overseeing the process at each location. Residents can easily pick up a free Ganesh idol during the distribution drive.
