Pune: PCMC issues guidelines for eco-friendly Ganeshotsav, encourages use of Shadu clay idols
Pimpri, 29th August 2024: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued guidelines for eco-friendly Ganeshotsav. The civic body encourages use of idols made only from Shadu clay.
In a communication, PCMC has laid out clear instructions and guidelines for citizens for the upcoming Ganesh Festival.
During the Ganeshotsav and Navratri festivals, artisans, sculptors, and manufacturers of idols in the city are required to produce or sell only Shadu clay idols. Citizens are encouraged to celebrate an eco-friendly Ganeshotsav by using these eco-friendly Shadu clay idols, which are made with natural colors and are easily soluble in water. Additionally, they should use eco-friendly decorative pooja materials, stated Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh.
Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, along with the citizens, has consistently prioritized the celebration of environmentally friendly festivals. It is the responsibility of every citizen to ensure that Pimpri Chinchwad remains environmentally safe. Therefore, citizens are urged to celebrate Ganeshotsav in an eco-friendly manner. Artisans, sculptors, and manufacturers must use only natural colors and eco-friendly Shadu clay to create idols that dissolve easily in water. Commissioner Singh also appealed to citizens to take care of themselves and the health of their city.
The production and sale of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols have been banned according to Central Pollution Control Board guidelines. As a result, artisans, sculptors, and manufacturers within the municipal jurisdiction are prohibited from making POP idols. Only the production and sale of eco-friendly idols have been approved. Sanjay Kulkarni, Chief Engineer of the Environment Department, has informed that it will be mandatory for artisans to contact the Industry and Licensing Department of the Municipal Corporation to obtain permission for setting up Ganesha idol stalls. A copy of the permission must be displayed at the front of shops or stalls selling eco-friendly idols.
Guidelines from the Municipal Corporation for an Eco-Friendly Ganeshotsav:
- On 12th May 2020, the Central Pollution Control Board, under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change of the Government of India, released guidelines on idol immersion. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has issued guidelines for Ganeshotsav 2024 in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area, as per the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1974, and the directions provided by the High Court from time to time.
- In the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area, idols of Shri Ganesha must be made from natural, eco-friendly biodegradable materials, free from plastic, thermocol, POP, staplers, and plastic beads. POP idols are strictly prohibited.
- All idols must be immersed in artificial ponds, tanks within residential complexes, or at municipal idol immersion centers.
- Idol makers are required to obtain permission from the Zonal Office for making idols, selling them, and setting up pavilions. A copy of the permission must be displayed at the front of the pendol (pavilion).
- Shadu clay will be provided free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis to sculptors making eco-friendly idols, as a pilot initiative this year. However, the sculptors must transport the clay themselves and sign a guarantee, which must be displayed at their pendol.
- Sculptors making Shadu clay idols must display a 3 x 5 feet board outside their pendol indicating that eco-friendly idols are available.
- Citizens are encouraged to purchase idols from sculptors who are registered taxpayers and approved by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.
- The instructions for making and storing idols using eco-friendly materials, including Shadu clay, will also apply during the Navratri festival in 2024. No separate instructions, circulars, or advertisements will be issued for this festival.
In the event of a violation of the guidelines related to Public Ganeshotsav 2024:
- Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the concerned sculptors will be subject to action.
- As per the guidelines of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, enforcement will be the responsibility of the Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
- According to Annexure 4 of the Citizens Charter 2000, Reference No. 06, the Municipal Commissioner has the authority to take action regarding water, air, and noise pollution within the municipal area against concerned citizens.
(Based on a communication from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation)
