BMC spokesperson Vijay Khabale said, “We are also spreading the word among Mumbaikars to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly way. Moreover, we will also have artificial ponds in the city.”
In an attempt to curb pollution, South Mumbai residents are gearing up to celebrate Ganeshotsav in an eco-friendly manner. Many housing societies have come together to celebrate the festival through environment-friendly ways and are promoting the same in their locality. Moreover, artificial ponds will be set up in housing societies to immerse the Ganesha idols, civic officials have said.
Alka Shah, 50, a financial consultant and a Worli resident, has become the crusader for an eco-friendly Ganeshotsav. With six centres selling eco-friendly Ganpati idols in the city, Shah is spearheading a campaign in South Mumbai to promote environment-friendly ways to celebrate the festival. Shah‘s trust – NirmalJyot – has given employment to 15 artists who prepare clay idols of Ganesha throughout the year.
“We sold over 2,000 clay idols online, of which 800 were sold in South Mumbai. Moreover, we are spreading awareness and promoting eco-friendly ways to celebrate the festival in South Mumbai,” said Shah.
“Many people, including those residing in housing societies, have now joined hands to promote this. It is important that every person is conscious of keeping the environment clean and green, instead of exploiting it in the name of festivals,” she added.
Shah expects to sell over 4,500 clay idols, with 2,000 being sold in South Mumbai alone before the festival begins. She revealed that purchasing an idol has become easier due to the internet.
“It is a fight between natural versus artificial forms of idol-making and we are happy that we are getting a good response. The sale of clay idols in South Mumbai is more due to environmental consciousness among its people,” Shah added.
BMC spokesperson Vijay Khabale said, “We are also spreading the word among Mumbaikars to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly way. Moreover, we will also have artificial ponds in the city.”
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