Bring home Ganesha idols made of shadu maati, please think of the environment,” says senior actress Vandana Gupte

Bring home Ganesha idols made of shadu maati, please think of the environment,” says senior actress Vandana Gupte

Pune, September 18, 2023: Senior actress Vandana Gupte has appealed to people to bring home Ganesha idols made of shadu maati (clay) this Ganesh Chaturthi festival. In a video message released on social media, she said, “Please think of the environment and choose an eco-friendly idol this year. There are many beautiful shadu maati Ganesha idols available in the market. They are also affordable and easy to dispose of after the festival.”

Shadu maati idols are made from natural clay and are biodegradable. They do not pollute water bodies when immersed after the festival. On the other hand, idols made of plaster of Paris (POP) and other non-biodegradable materials can cause serious environmental damage.

Gupte also urged people to avoid using plastic bags and other single-use plastics during the festival. She said, “We can all do our bit to protect the environment by making small changes in our daily lives. Let’s celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly way this year.”

Gupte’s appeal comes at a time when there is growing awareness about the environmental impact of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. In recent years, there has been a shift towards using eco-friendly idols and other materials during the festival. However, there is still a long way to go.

According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board, over 100,000 tonnes of POP idols are immersed in water bodies in India every year. This can lead to a significant increase in the levels of heavy metals and other pollutants in the water.

Gupte’s appeal is a timely reminder of the importance of protecting the environment. By choosing eco-friendly Ganesha idols and other materials, we can all contribute to a greener and cleaner future.