Hyderabad, August 28: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority on Tuesday launched an awareness campaign against the pollution of Hussainsagar lake due to immersion of Ganesh idols.
Speaking after releasing a poster on usage of traditional clay Ganeshas to protect and restore lakes at Buddha Purnima Project (BPP) site, HMDA Member (Environment) Sunil Kumar Gupta said that the plaster of paris and chemical colours used in making of Ganesh idols has been causing irreversible damage to lakes, especially the Hussainsagar lake. Therefore, he said this year the HMDA would encourage the use of smaller size of clay Ganesh idols at a largescale.
Under "The Paryavarana Ganapathi" campaign, the HMDA has made arrangements to provide 25,000 numbers of small 8 inches and 200 numbers of big 5 feet sizes idols in association with the SAVE NGO. The main objective of the programme is to sensitise the general public on environmental issues as also involve educational institutions, RWAs and community groups around the lakes and water inlet areas to take interest in lake conservation and explore the possibilities for formation of Lake Protection Committees.
For distribution of small sizes Ganesh idols, the HMDA in association with four NGOs - Care, Sukuki Exnora, Chatri and APSA, will establish 25 distribution centers across the city to facilitate better access. The small idols will be available at a nominal price of Rs 10 each. These centres will start functioning two days prior to the festival. Requisitions from various schools and community groups will be taken and selected groups will be provided 5 feet idols with intent of involving them in formation of Lake Protection Committees. In those areas, which form a Lake Protection Committee involving their local area people to such committees, HMDA will provide 5 feet Ganesh idol at free of cost.
Those interested in getting Paryavarana Ganapathi can contact on the following numbers: 040-27654336 (SAVE NGO); 9849047827 (Maj Shivakiran - Sukuki Exnora NGO); 91772234489 (SDE, HICP, HMDA) or 9849457461 (P&P Coordinator).
Buddha Purnima Project Special Officer MJ Akbar and other senior officials attended the programme.
- INN
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