Udupi: Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K has urged people across the district to celebrate the Gowri-Ganesha festival with devotion while choosing eco-friendly clay idols and taking steps to protect natural water resources.
She was speaking at a meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office at Rajathadri, Manipal, on Thursday, September 11, to review law and order and other arrangements for the Gowri-Ganesha festival, which will be celebrated across Udupi district on September 13 and 14.
DC stresses use of clay idols
Swaroopa T K said people should avoid idols made of plaster of Paris (PoP) and those painted with chemical-based colours, as such materials do not dissolve naturally in water and can cause pollution and harm aquatic life.
She urged residents and festival organisers to opt for traditional clay idols and other environmentally friendly alternatives. The DC also called for greater public awareness about the environmental impact of idol immersion and the need to protect water bodies during the festival.
To reduce the pressure on rivers, lakes, ponds and other natural water resources, she directed people to use temporary or artificial immersion tanks designated by local bodies wherever possible.
She also stressed the need to segregate wet and dry waste generated during idol immersion and ensure its scientific disposal rather than dumping it into water bodies.
Safety arrangements at immersion points
The DC said that in places where immersion in natural water sources is unavoidable, authorities should identify designated immersion locations and make adequate arrangements for public safety.
She directed officials to ensure that such locations have basic infrastructure and sufficient personnel, including rescue teams, to respond to emergencies during the immersion process.
The instructions assume significance as large numbers of devotees are expected to participate in Gowri-Ganesha celebrations and immersion activities across the district.
Inspections of idol-making units
Swaroopa T K directed officials to conduct continuous inspections of idol manufacturing units, storage godowns and sales centres before the festival.
The inspections are intended to prevent the manufacture, storage and sale of PoP idols in the district. She instructed officials to initiate strict legal action against those found storing or selling idols made of prohibited materials.
The DC also called for sustained awareness campaigns to educate the public about the environmental consequences of PoP idols and chemical-based colours.
She suggested that schools, colleges, social media platforms and non-governmental organisations be involved in spreading awareness and encouraging people to choose eco-friendly idols.
Permissions mandatory for public celebrations
The DC said committees installing public Ganesha idols must obtain the mandatory permissions from the respective local bodies.
Permission from the police department is also required for the use of loudspeakers during the celebrations.
She said the use of single-use plastic during the festival has been prohibited. The use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am is also prohibited.
The bursting of firecrackers other than green crackers during idol immersion has also been prohibited, she said, urging organisers and devotees to comply with the regulations.
Precautions along procession routes
The DC directed MESCOM officials to take all necessary precautionary measures along Ganesha procession routes to prevent accidents involving overhead electrical wires.
She stressed the importance of identifying potential hazards along procession routes and ensuring that necessary safety measures are implemented before processions begin.
The coordination between various departments was also emphasised to ensure that the celebrations pass off peacefully while maintaining public safety and protecting the environment.
Officials attend coordination meeting
Additional Deputy Commissioner Abid Gadyal, ASP Sudhakar Naik, Zilla Panchayat Chief Planning Officer Dr Uday Shetty, District Environmental Officer Dr Maheshwari Singh, district-level officials, tahsildars, executive officers and others attended the meeting.
With the Gowri-Ganesha festival scheduled for September 13 and 14, the district administration has called for coordinated efforts by government departments, festival committees and the public to ensure that celebrations remain peaceful, safe and environmentally responsible.