CityLightBuzz: HYDRA Commissioner Sri A.V. Ranganath called for making all celebrations, especially Ganesh festivities, environmentally friendly and urged citizens to give priority to clay Ganesh idols instead of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols.
He said Ganesh celebrations should become a starting point for greater environmental awareness and protection. HYDRA is working to restore and expand city lakes by removing encroachments and silt, while also establishing STPs (Sewage Treatment Plants) to prevent sewage from entering water bodies.
Keeping the upcoming Ganesh festivities in mind, HYDRA is also constructing baby ponds near lakes to facilitate eco-friendly immersion of idols. Commissioner Ranganath appealed to organisers to use clay idols for larger processions as well and explore technology and innovative methods to make them practical.
Several voluntary organisations met the HYDRA Commissioner and requested greater promotion of clay idols. An awareness poster highlighting the harmful effects of PoP idols and the benefits of clay idols was unveiled on the occasion.
Representatives said that HYDRA’s lake restoration efforts are making water bodies more environmentally friendly and appealed to citizens to support the initiative through eco-friendly celebrations. Life Savers Organisation representative Shiva said clay idols are being made available for just ₹1.
Representatives of Sarvai Papanna Charitable Trust, Amma Foundation, Anushree Charitable Trust and Varahi Foundation participated in the programme. HYDRA Additional Director V. Papayya, Additional Commissioners R. Sudarshan and D. Anand Kumar were also present.
