Ganapati idols prepared in Hubballi, ahead of Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations.
DH PHOTO/GURU HABIB
Hubballi/DHNS: To encourage citizens to celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi at households in an eco-friendly manner, the civic body has decided to issue digital certificates to those who install clay idols. It has also decided to award prizes to those who immerse idols at home and use the same clay to plant a saplings.
When the authorities have already taken measures to check the use of banned Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, by conducting raids on shops and seizing such idols, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) is launching ‘Prakruti Ganeshotsav’ to encourage the installation of clay idols and decoration using natural material.
This initiative also includes activities to raise better awareness regarding the banned single-use plastic, and the recycling of plastic waste.
Expressing confidence that citizens would voluntarily celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner if proper awareness is created and encouragement is given, Mayor Jyothi Patil stated that the unique initiative of ‘Prakruti Ganeshotsav’ is also aimed at reducing the quantity of waste generated during the festival, especially non-recyclable waste.
According to HDMC officials, more than 100 tonnes of additional waste is generated in the twin cities during the festivals.
‘Prakruti Ganeshotsav’
Under ‘Prakruti Ganeshotsav’ initiative, the HDMC has planned to issue digital certificates to one lakh citizens who install clay idols and decorate them with natural and recyclable material. In addition, a competition will also be held, under which 10 citizens who celebrate an eco-friendly festival by immersing idols at homes, and plant saplings in the clay left over after the idol dissolves.
“Our estimation is that Ganapati idols will be installed at around one lakh households in the twin cities. We have planned to issue digital certificates to one lakh citizens for eco-friendly celebrations by installing clay idols,” said HDMC Additional Commissioner Vijaykumar R, adding that the number of PoP idols at households has come down drastically in recent years.
A web portal to submit the details to get the digital certificate would be launched shortly. Along with the details of citizens, receipt of purchasing clay idol and photographs of the idol and mantap should be uploaded to get the certificate.
Photographs and videos of idol installation, decoration, immersion at the household, and sapling plantation using that clay have to be uploaded to participate in the competition, he noted.
Based on the information given by citizens, idol makers and others, task forces have been formed in each zonal office to check the sale of PoP idols, Vijaykumar added.