DNA initiative garners enthusiastic response from young environmentalists and citizens alike.
In less then a month, Ganesh Chaturthi hysteria will sweep the city. The excitement of the festivities also comes with environmental concerns.
In a bid to ensure an eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi, DNA launched the initiative ‘Action is in my DNA’. As part of the programme, your paper is collecting paper from residential societies to make an 8-ft papier mache idol of Lord Ganesh. The programme which began on August 14 has already garnered a positive response from city’s young greens.
“It is an excellent idea, given the fact that the campaign is interactive and it goes to the ground level targeting the residential areas as opposed to preaching from a pedestal,” says Elsie Gabriel, founder president, Young Environmentalists Programme Trust, a voluntary organisation working for the cause of the environment.
Environment-conscious citizens, who spotted the DNA van that was touring the city, wholeheartedly donated their old newspapers. Shivshahi Co-op housing society resident Pradeep Shetty says,
“This drive takes care of nature by not polluting natural resources. I think all Mumbaikars should participate in it.”
Idols made using Plaster of Paris (POP) are decorated with chemical paints and accessories like jewellery and flowers that contaminate the water. This has been a cause of concern for environmentalists, who have been demanding eco immersion in buildings, local community tanks, or temporary tanks, as other alternatives to prevent water pollution during the festival.
Heta Shah, a Prabhadevi resident, says, “This year, Ganesh Chaturthi is going to be different and environment friendly. Re-use, recycle and celebrate with eco-friendly Ganesh idols is the best way to celebrate the festival.” While everyone agrees that an overnight change is not possible, they also say that initiatives like this will make people wiser and conscious.
As part of DNA’s campaign, the papier mache idol will be housed at Oberoi Mall for seven days — from September 11 to 17, ending with a visarjan ceremony on the seventh day. In addition, 350 participating societies and Sarvajanik mandals can also place an order for their very own 3-ft paper mache Ganesh idol.
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