Plaster-of-Paris idols and chemical paints do not dissolve cleanly. They leave residue in lakes and tanks long after the festival is over. Natural clay idols dissolve without that residue, which is why Service4Society has been urging families to make the switch.
On the occasion of Vinayaka Chavithi, S4S team members led by founder Goruganti Sridhar distributed 1,000 natural clay Ganesha idols free of cost to the public. The programme was held at several locations, including Kollur Double Bedroom Houses Phase-1, opposite Aliens Space Station, and Tellapur Circle. Residents of gated communities and colonies across the Tellapur area took part alongside S4S volunteers, and idols were given to residents and to domestic helpers working in the area.
Representatives of the Police Department, including DSP and CI officers, attended as chief guests and encouraged residents to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner. The organisers appealed to the public to choose natural clay over plaster-of-Paris and chemically coloured idols, and to contribute towards protecting local water resources.
The drive was carried out with the message that festivals are part of our culture and protecting the environment is our responsibility — welcome Lord Ganesha with devotion, and protect nature with responsibility.
Service4Society has separately requested the Metropolitan Commissioner, HMDA, for 2,000 eco-friendly clay idols for distribution across Tellapur. That request is still pending a decision.