Make Sree Ganesha idols from clay to control pollution – Mayor

Ashadh Shuddha Chaturthi

Mumbai : Dr. Shubha Raul, Mayor of Mumbai has appealed, through a circular, to sculptors and Ganeshotsava Committees to use clay for making Sree Ganesha idols and maintain ecological balance. Sree Ganehsa idols made from Plaster of Paris (PoP) do not easily dissolve in water and the colours used to paint the idols, are also not good. She has further appealed to avoid use of thermo coal for decoration as it is non-degradable. She has said in the circular that material complementary to the nature should be used. Noise pollution caused due to bursting of crackers on the day of Sree Ganesh Chaturthi in processions to bring the idols and on Anant Chaturdashi, the last day of the festival for immersion of the idol should be avoided. Instruments like ‘shahanai (clarinet), ‘Dhol (drum)’, ‘lazim’ etc that create sound pleasing to ears should be used. She has said that everyone should contribute their bit in maintaining the ecological balance.     

Use artificial water tanks

This year, Municipality has decided to set up artificial water tanks for immersion of Sree Ganesha idols. Dr. Raul has appealed to Ganesha-devotees and Ganeshotsava Committees to use these water tanks. (Sree Ganesha idols should be immersed in flowing water as per science of spirituality. Immersion in artificial water tanks is against ‘Dharma’; therefore, if municipality makes effort in bringing ban on PoP idols, the problem can be solved immediately. – Editor)

Source: ‘Daily Sanatan Prabhat’