PNS|Bhimavaram
District Collector P Prashanthi has made it clear Ganesh idols made of plaster of paris would not be allowed during the Ganesh Chaturthi as they were banned.
A meeting was held here with the AP Pollution Control Board officials to review the Ganesh Chaturthi arrangements and how to prevent the installation of idols made of plaster of paris here on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Collector said that the making of Ganesh idols and the immersion programmes should be in accordance with the orders of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal. She made it clear that the sale and making of Ganesh idols using Plaster of Paris material were banned. “Actions will be taken if anyone violates the rules. Those who make more than 100 idols must register and obtain a trade license. The Ganesh idols using Plaster of Paris material are causing damage to the environment and creatures live in water in a big way,” the Collector said.
Collector Prashanthi advised to use Ganesh idols made of clay. Moreover, the idols must be less than three feet in height and natural colors should be used. Adequate safety measures should be taken while giving permission to Ganesh festival mandapams, she told the officials.
“Use of Firecrackers and a sound system with loud noises should not be done. Entertainment programmes should be organised traditionally without obscenity. There will be inspections by the Police, Revenue and Pollution Control Board officials on the places where idols are made,” she asserted.
The Collector asked the Panchayat Secretary and Municipal Commissioner to conduct field-level checking before giving permissions. Idols should not be placed across the roads creating hurdles and the roads should be dug up to erect pandals.
The Collector said that dates and times for the immersion of the idols should be informed in advance to the organizers, adding that the police officers should prepare a plan in advance so that there is no traffic disruption during the immersions.
A workshop for making clay idols should be conducted with the students a week before Vinayaka Chavithi in all the schools. Municipal andIndustry departments should take steps to distribute clay idols on a large scale.
DRO K Krishnaveni, AP Pollution Control Board EE K Venkateswara Rao, DPO GVK Mallikharjun Rao and DEO R Venkataramana were among those who were present.
