Ballari Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Haris Sumair has urged people to use only eco-friendly clay Ganesha idols and opt for immersion at home during Ganesh Chaturthi to prevent pollution of natural water bodies.

Speaking after inaugurating a workshop on making eco-friendly ‘Vriksha Ganesha’ idols at Prakruthi Bhavan on the Forest Department nursery premises at Belagal Cross in Ballari on Wednesday, Mr. Sumair said idols made of plaster of Paris (PoP) and those painted with harmful chemical colours should be avoided.

He said immersing PoP idols and idols coated with synthetic chemical paints in lakes and rivers could release pollutants into water bodies, affecting water quality and aquatic life. Home immersion, he said, could help prevent such pollution.

Mr. Sumair urged young people to create awareness among family members, friends and relatives about environmentally responsible celebrations and to use social media to promote clay Ganesha idols.

“Preserving nature for future generations is everyone’s responsibility. Celebrating our culture without harming the environment is the real spirit of celebration,” he said.

Ballari Division Deputy Conservator of Forests Basavaraj K.N. said the clay used for the idols at the workshop was mixed with seeds of various native forest plant and tree species.

After the three-day worship, the idol can be immersed in a bucket of water at home. The clay dissolves and the seeds settle in the soil, allowing them to germinate and grow into plants, he said. Nurturing these plants into trees would help protect the environment, he added.

Mr. Basavaraj advised people to use natural materials such as turmeric and vermilion for decorating the idols. He stressed that environmental awareness should not remain limited to a one-day activity but should become part of people’s lives and cultural practices.

Around 80 to 90 students participated in the hands-on workshop and learnt to make eco-friendly Ganesha idols. Ph.D. research scholars from the Department of Fine Arts, Hampi University, trained the students in idol-making.

Assistant Conservator of Forests Vinay K.C. and Range Forest Officer Raju Gondakar were among those present. Students from around 20 schools and colleges, along with members of the public, also participated in the programme.