Leaders Urge Citizens to Embrace Sustainable Traditions During Upcoming Festive Season
In a bid to promote eco-friendly celebrations during Ganesh Chaturthi, Karnataka Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy, along with KPCC Women’s Congress President Sowmya Reddy, announced the free distribution of clay Ganesh idols to citizens in Bengaluru. The initiative, scheduled for August 27, seeks to encourage people to move away from plaster of Paris (POP) idols, which cause severe environmental damage, particularly water pollution during immersions.
Both leaders have been spearheading this green initiative for over a decade. For the past 10 to 15 years, Ramalinga Reddy and Sowmya Reddy have distributed thousands of clay idols annually to spread awareness about sustainable practices. “By choosing clay idols, we can celebrate with devotion while protecting our environment and preserving groundwater quality,” they said in a joint statement.
According to the press release, free idol distribution will take place at the following locations on August 27:
- 8:30 AM – MLA Office, Koramangala
- 9:00 AM – LIC Colony, Jayanagar, led by Nagraj
- 9:30 AM – Near Indira Gandhi Statue, Sarakki, led by Arun Kumar
The leaders emphasized that clay idols dissolve naturally without harming lakes or rivers, maintaining ecological balance. They urged citizens to adopt this practice as a responsible way to celebrate while safeguarding Bengaluru’s environment.
“Ganesh Chaturthi is about devotion and harmony. By choosing eco-friendly idols, we can celebrate responsibly and ensure that our future generations inherit a clean and safe environment,” Sowmya Reddy added. Citizens have been encouraged to collect idols at designated venues and support the ongoing movement toward sustainable festivities.