PCB supplied 85,000 clay idols

In a step to control water pollution levels after the immersion of Ganesh idols, the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) and many others conducted awareness camps to use eco-friendly Ganesh idols.

This year, they made 85,000 Ganesh idols and sold it at a subsidised rate at various stalls in the city. TSPCB in collaboration with PJTSAU (Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University) produced 15 tonnes of natural dye paint of 12 colours.

The Senior Environment officer C Y Nagesh said, “This year we have made 85,000 Ganesh idols out of which 50 percent of the idols were given to NGOs for free. We have put stalls at our regional office and various places.

The idols were given at a subsidised rate. An Eight- inch tall Ganesh was sold at Rs 5 or an idol with natural colour was given at Rs 10.”

Nagesh also said that this year the response from the public for the eco-friendly was tremendous and many people were made aware to use idols made of clay and with natural dye. “Apart from these 85,000 idols some people had bulk orders which we could not provide for,” he added.

Dean of Home Sciences, A Sharada Devi said, "This year we have made around 1,000 idols with natural dye and all most all of the idols were sold at the cost of Rs 60 or Rs 70. In collaboration with TSPCB we have made 15 tonnes of natural dye to paint the idols.”

By: Aneri Shah