Uttara Kannada DC Urges Eco-Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
Karwar, Aug 27, 2024: As the festive season approaches, Uttara Kannada District is encouraging citizens to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with an eco-friendly approach, in line with new environmental regulations aimed at protecting the region’s natural water bodies.
Traditionally, devotees immerse Gauri and Ganesha idols in local lakes, wells, and other water sources during the Swarnagauri and Varasiddhi Vinayaka Chaturthi festivals. However, this practice has been a significant contributor to water pollution due to Plaster of Paris (PoP) and chemically painted idols.
Responding to concerns and in adherence to a High Court order and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board guidelines, the district administration has now banned the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) and chemically painted idols in natural water bodies.
This year, citizens are encouraged to use only clay idols, crafted from natural materials and painted with eco-friendly colors. Following the rituals, these idols must be immersed at designated locations identified by local authorities. Special arrangements, including a minimum of 4-5 mobile tanks, have been made by local bodies to facilitate safe and environmentally friendly immersions. Devotees can contact their local authorities for more information on these arrangements.
The district police department has identified 1,434 public locations for Ganesha idol installations. Committees organizing public events must secure necessary permissions from local bodies and the police department. In addition, the use of single-use plastics and flex banners during the celebrations is strictly prohibited to minimize environmental impact.
The Supreme Court has mandated that only green fireworks be used, in compliance with the National Green Tribunal’s recommendations. These certified eco-friendly fireworks bear the CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research) and NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) logo and a QR code, and all firework vendors have been instructed to stock only these products. Furthermore, fire safety regulations require temporary stalls to adhere to strict storage guidelines.
To protect public health and the environment, the use of fireworks and loudspeakers is banned from 10 PM to 6 AM. Awareness campaigns are being conducted across the district through clean-up vehicles equipped with public address systems.
Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya has called on all citizens to embrace these eco-friendly measures, highlighting that celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in an environmentally responsible manner will contribute to safeguarding Uttara Kannada’s natural resources for future generations. The message is clear: Let this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi festivities shine not only with devotion but also with a commitment to preserving the environment.
