Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Abhijeet Chaudhari has appealed citizens to celebrate an eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi this year and instructed officials to monitor the sale and use of PoP idols in the city.
Dr. Chaudhari chaired a review meeting attended by deputy commissioners, other NMC officials, and representatives from the artisans’ association.
The government has banned the sale and use of PoP idols in the city to prevent water pollution. In line with this directive, Dr. Chaudhari has instructed all zones to take action against shopkeepers selling PoP idols within the city.
Dr. Gajendra Mahalle, Deputy Commissioner of the Solid Waste and Management Department, encouraged citizens to make their own clay idols at home and immerse them in a water container.
In the meeting, Dr. Mahalle stated that all artisans in the city must adhere to the High Court’s orders and create only clay idols to avoid any legal consequences. He also mentioned that the NMC would take strict action against artisans who produce PoP idols in the city.
Dr. Mahalle also noted that there are no height restrictions for idols this year; however, Ganesh Utsav Mandals are encouraged to use only 4-foot-tall idols to minimize water pollution in nearby water bodies.