APPCB Urges Eco-Friendly Ganesha Idols to Protect Andhra Pradesh Waterways

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has renewed its urgent call for devotees to opt for eco-friendly Ganesha idols, specifically those made from natural clay and free of toxic chemical dyes, ahead of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. This push gained local traction as Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy Memorial Municipal High School recently hosted an idol-making event, actively educating students on the severe ecological damage caused by traditional Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols and synthetic paints. The APPCB advisory directly addresses the persistent problem of water bodies being contaminated after idol immersion, citing how PoP, a non-biodegradable material, pollutes rivers and lakes, harms aquatic life, and releases heavy metals from chemical paints. Despite annual campaigns and guidelines from bodies like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) advocating for sustainable practices and artificial ponds, PoP idols continue to be prevalent, often due to their lower cost and wider availability compared to natural clay alternatives. As Ganesh Chaturthi draws near, the APPCB, alongside various organizations and educational institutions, is intensifying awareness drives, distributing clay idols, and encouraging the use of natural dyes. This concerted effort aims to shift public behavior towards a greener celebration, ensuring that the festival's spiritual essence is preserved without compromising the health of the state's vital water resources for future generations.