Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Clay Ganeshas Gain Momentum Ahead of Eco-Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi
People in Visakhapatnam are learning to make Ganesha idols from clay.
They are doing this before Ganesh Chaturthi.
Artists are teaching families and schoolchildren in free workshops.
Clay idols can dissolve in water after the festival.
Officials say Plaster of Paris idols can threaten aquatic life.
Government groups and clubs are giving clay idols to the public.
They want people to celebrate while creating less waste.
The workshops also help children learn creativity and care for nature.
Artists in Visakhapatnam are teaching residents and schoolchildren to make clay Ganesha idols.
Organisers say clay idols dissolve in water, while Plaster of Paris idols can harm aquatic life.
A free workshop is teaching participants to make clay Ganesha fridge magnets.
The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board and civic groups distributed clay idols at public locations.
Officials are urging citizens to choose clay idols to conserve water resources and reduce waste.
- Who
- Artists, schoolchildren, civic officials, government agencies, and community clubs in and around Visakhapatnam.
- What
- They are promoting clay Ganesha idols through workshops, public appeals, and idol distribution.
- When
- Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi; clay idols were distributed on Saturday.
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, including Shivaji Park, M.V.P. Rythu Bazar, and the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation headquarters; a similar appeal was made in Alluri Sitarama Raju district.
- Why
- To reduce the environmental harm associated with Plaster of Paris idols, protect water resources, and reduce waste.
Clay Idol Advocates
Plaster of Paris Idol Use
Environmental impact
Clay Idol Advocates
Supporters say clay idols dissolve in water and help protect aquatic life and water resources.
Plaster of Paris Idol Use
Officials and artists warn that Plaster of Paris idols can threaten aquatic life; the articles do not present a defence of PoP idols.
Festival practices
Clay Idol Advocates
Artists, civic bodies, and government agencies urge citizens to adopt clay idols for more sustainable celebrations.
Plaster of Paris Idol Use
The articles describe continued concern about Plaster of Paris idols but do not identify a specific group arguing that they should continue to be used.
- Main initiative
- Artists are conducting workshops to teach people to make clay Ganesha idols.
- Featured workshop
- “Make Your Own Clay Ganesha Fridge Magnet” is being offered as a free craft class.
- Environmental concern
- Organisers say Plaster of Paris idols can threaten aquatic life.
- Public distribution
- The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Lions Club, and Walkers Club distributed clay idols.
- Distribution locations
- Shivaji Park and M.V.P. Rythu Bazar in Visakhapatnam.
- Municipal action
- The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation distributed clay idols to employees and the public.
- Stated policy reference
- Officials cited the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and their emphasis on reduction, reuse, and recycling.