The GHMC has said it will provide open spaces for the manufacturing, sale and distribution of clay Ganesha idols.
GHMC Commissioner M T Krishna Babu said that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation would provide open spaces for the manufacturing, sale and distribution of "green" Ganesha idols for a period of two to three months every year.
The Commissioner held a meeting with non-governmental organizations involved in making clay Ganesha idols, in Panwar Hall, on Thursday. He also said that the GHMC encourages the people behind these clay idols. The Commissioner opined that idols made of clay are better than others in every aspect, and added that the GHMC is taking up this cause to protect the environment from hazardous chemicals.
He added that the places identified for the purpose should be litigation-free. duly involving the suggestions of local corporators and residential welfare associations, and said that the mere provision of open space doesn't entail any right over that space.
The GHMC will give permission to NGOs 15 days prior to the festival, for stalls for free or cost-to-cost distribution of clay Ganesha idols. The Commissioner instructed all Deputy Commissioners to coordinate with the NGOs to utilize parks for the distribution of the idols.
"This meeting is intended to create awareness among the citizens, especially school children, to motivate their active participation in popularizing clay Ganesha idols," he said.
The GHMC will also provide mud and clay blocks to schools who join the drive, with preference being given to children of government schools.
Krishna Babu further directed the District Collectors concerned to coordinate with school education officials to get schools registered for the campaign.
He opined, however, that there ought be some restrictions on the sizes of the clay idols.
"Since the size of the idol is a sensitive issue, the government is not in a position to take a decision in this regard," he said.
He further stated that the government has been spending around Rs. 300 crores for the regeneration of Hussain Sagar, and that desilting is also being taken up with huge expenditure.
K S Aditya from Youth For Seva, an NGO, opined that the supply of clay material to various schools should be increased.
The Commissioner said that schools registered with the GHMC would be given telephone numbers of the AMOHs concerned, for information regarding raw material. The office of the Additional Commissioner (Health & Sanitation) can be contacted at 040-23222160, and will provide necessary assistance regarding clay and blocks, he added.
Dorai Raju from Kukatpally opined that involving school children would lead to good results, and informed the gathering that his organization has been are conducting drawing competitions for kids.
Bhavana Srinivas of Jagruthi Abhyudaya Sangham said that they her organization has been selling clay Ganesha idols for Re. 1 each for several years.
Dr. Pushpa, from PEAS, said that clay Ganesha idols could be painted with vegetable colors.
Abhinav, from Hyderabad Goes Green, stated that there is a need for financial support for artisans making clay idols. Responding to this, the Commissioner said that he would coordinating with the B C Corporation and banks to provide loans and subsidies to the artisans.
L Vandan Kumar (Additional Commissioner, H&S), AMOHs, members of various non governmental organisations (NGOs) and head masters of various schools participated in the meeting. (INN)