Bond over belief

NGOs, government bodies take initiative in distribution of clay Ganesh idols

A Ganesh idol in a pandal.

‘Go green’ mantra seems to be fast catching up with many residents, and the increasing number of households in the city opting to install clay Ganesh idols, instead of the conventional ones, is a clear reflection of the trend.

This has been possible thanks to the sustained efforts of various NGOs and government organisations. “Last year, we distributed 1,500 clay idols of one-feet size, and this year, we have already distributed 10,000 idols and are hopeful of distributing another 15,000 on Monday,” says Anirudh Padmanabhuni of Nature’s Army, an NGO, which distributes idols at Indira Park for just Re. 1 each.

Doraraju of Tree Guard Foundation, a voluntary organisation, says the demand for clay Ganesh idols is going up every year.

The organisation claims to have distributed over 50,000 eight-inch-tall idols this year free of cost at the Kukatpally Housing Board.

“Even before we commenced the distribution programme, there were many enquiries. We distributed the idols in schools, apartments and community welfare centres,” claims Mr. Doraraju.

Youth organisations

In tune with the demands of households, quite a few youth welfare organisations, too, are installing three- and five-foot clay idols. Nearly 1,500 youth welfare organisations at Sardar Patel Nagar, Vivekananda Nagar, Kukatpally, Nizampet and Miyapur and even some from Jaggaiahpeta are installing clay idols, he says. In order to promote clay idol installation, Tree Guard Foundation is installing a 25-foot clay idol at JNTU-Hi Tec City Road in Kukatpally. Over 15 Bengali artists worked for over 20 days to make the idol, he adds.

Government organisations such as the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and the Pollution Control Board, too, have set up distribution centres for the convenience of residents.

The HMDA has already distributed 30,000 small clay idols to households from various areas at Rs. 12.50 a piece and nearly 300 three-foot idols to youth organisations for Rs. 1,500 each.

Residents supportive

“It is good that more and more residents are installing clay idols in their houses. Though many youth welfare organisations still prefer conventional idols, some of them go for clay idols,” says R.P. Khajuria, Member, Environment, HMDA.

Free distribution

The APPCB is also distributing 150 clay idols of 5 feet to 150 ward community centres within the HMDA limits selected by the GHMC free of cost.