The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will start on August 31st this year, and the GHMC has already started its initiative to promote the cause of eco-friendly Ganeshas. Already, a Ganesh idol made of clay has been installed at GHMC LB Nagar zonal office, and an idol will be installed at Secunderabad Zonal Office in the next couple of days.

With the festivities scheduled to commence on August 31st, the artisans are slowly preparing for the festival. Hence GHMC has decided to step up its awareness drive by coordinating with Ganesh Pandal Organisers, Resident Welfare Associations (RAW), and NGOs to help citizens choose eco-friendly clay Ganeshas.

The whole idea is to discourage the usage of PoP and synthetic colors, a GHMC official said. In addition to this, the GHMC, along with Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), will distribute the clay idols ahead of the festival, and the usage of clay idols will be encouraged all across the state.

Also, awareness is being spread against immersing PoP idols in water bodies. All idols being immersed in Hussain Sagar will be closely monitored, say officials citing the directives issued by the High Court.

This year, clay idols will be installed at key locations apart from the premises of GHMC zonal and circle offices.