KTR: Go for eco-friendly idols

Hyderabad: Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K Taraka Rama Rao on Thursday undertook the task of promoting eco-friendly Ganesha idols for Vinayaka Chavithi festival. He embarked on a mission to distribute over 2 lakh clay Ganesh idols for the festival.

Through this initiative, Hyderabad should set an example to other cities in promoting clay idols, the Minister said. Addressing after Eco-Ganesha distribution and awareness programme at Shilpakala Vedika, KTR said the idea to invite school and college students was to promote clay idols among youngsters and continue the practice during the years to come.

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority and the Pollution Control Board would establish special stalls at different locations for distribution of clay idols. Contact number for the stall wold be announced shortly, he said.

KTR said the GHMC has constructed exclusive immersion ponds at different locations in the city.

The GHMC has constructed baby ponds at a cost of Rs 22 crore in order to reduce pollution in Hussainsagar and other water bodies across the city. “I appeal to people to use clay idols,” KTR said. Later, the Minister distributed a few idols and saplings to students.

KTR also held a meeting with the GHMC, HMDA and other departments on the double bedroom housing project. GHMC Commissioner B Janardhan Reddy, HMDA Commissioner T Chiranjeevulu and other senior officials took part in the meeting.