Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Urges Citizens To Use Eco-Friendly Clay Idols Ahead Of Ganeshotsav
Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Urges Citizens To Use Eco-Friendly Clay Idols Ahead Of Ganeshotsav
Pimpri, August 28, 2024: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has appealed to idol makers, artisans, and manufacturers to produce and sell only eco-friendly clay idols during the Ganeshotsav and Navratri festivals. Citizens are also encouraged to celebrate these festivals in an environmentally friendly manner by using idols made from natural clay and natural colors that dissolve easily in water, as well as eco-friendly decorative materials for pooja.
PCMC Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh stated that residents and artisans have always prioritized celebrating festivals in an environmentally sustainable way. He emphasized that every citizen has a responsibility to ensure Pimpri Chinchwad remains environmentally safe. Singh urged citizens to celebrate an eco-friendly Ganeshotsav and requested all artisans and idol makers to produce idols using natural clay and colors that easily dissolve in water.
In accordance with the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board, the production of POP (Plaster of Paris) idols is banned. Therefore, artisans and producers in the PCMC jurisdiction are prohibited from making POP idols. The PCMC only allows the production and sale of eco-friendly idols. Chief Engineer of the Environment Department, Sanjay Kulkarni, informed that those wishing to set up Ganesh idol stalls must obtain permission from the Industries and Licensing Department of PCMC. A copy of this permit must be prominently displayed at the shop or stall selling the idols.
Guidelines from the PCMC for celebrating an eco-friendly Ganeshotsav:
- Ganesh idols in the PCMC area should be made from natural, biodegradable materials free of plastic, thermocol, POP, staples, and plastic beads.
- All idols must be immersed in artificial ponds or tanks within residential complexes or handed over to municipal idol acceptance centers.
- Idol makers must obtain permission from ward offices for crafting, selling, and storing idols, and display the permit at their premises.
- Idol makers using eco-friendly clay will be provided with free clay on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.
- Artisans must display a 3×5 foot sign outside their stalls indicating the availability of eco-friendly idols.
- Citizens are encouraged to purchase idols from PCMC-approved artisans, suppliers, and vendors who have submitted a guarantee form.
- The instructions for making and storing eco-friendly idols will also apply during Navratri 2024.
- Violations of these guidelines will result in action under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and other relevant regulations.
