Ganesha Idole, who were offered for sale in Coimbator City before Vinayaka Chaturthi. | Photo loan: S. Siva Saravanan
When Vinayaka Chathurthi approaches, nature lovers require environmentally friendly celebrations that water books in the entire district of Coimbatore, in which idols are immersed, have only minimal effects.
Many government agencies, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), have published guidelines in which biodegradable products are used for idol production. Nevertheless, plaster from Paris (pop) idols are widespread.
“In the past, people celebrated the festival by making the idols with mud or sound. The focus must therefore shift to the production of pop idols and promote the use of idols from clay/mud,” says a nature lover connected with a non-regulated organization.
He emphasizes that waters in Coimbatore City already go beyond the accumulation of visible waste with several pollution risks. Since the colors and other toxic chemicals are used to dissolve the idol in water, it also represents a risk of fish and other water creatures.
According to R. Manikandan from Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaippu, awareness plays a key role in environmental issues. “By carrying out sensitization programs together with interesting events such as workshops for the production of Clay IDOL, people can attract people and minimize the risk of pollution,” he says.
The police have granted permission to install over 2,300 great idols (three feet and higher) at designated public places in urban and rural areas. They are immersed in water bodies by the district administration and the police. In addition, hundreds of people will also dive small idols that they install in their houses.
The district administration has instructed that Ganesha idols have to be painted from biodegradable materials and with non-toxic and natural dyes to celebrate. It has prescribed not to use pop, harmful chemicals, thermocol, individual use plastics and synthetic dyes. However, the production and sale of pop idols flourishes in the district.
Nature lovers add that the noise pollution of loud drums, music and fireworks could also disturb birds that live in and around water bodies. The noise could force her to leave her nests.
“Certain celebrations could be scaled and celebrated, preferably at home,” suggests a researcher from Coimbatore, who specializes in water birds.
According to corporation commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran, there were identified at five locations, including Singanallur Lake, Kumarasamy Lake (Muthannankulam) and Kurichi Tank. He said the police shared the routes for Idol processions and potholes along these routes were repaired.
Safety measures such as placing barricades are arranged at the immersion points. Collected waste is recorded on site by nature conservation workers and separated for disposal. The public was recommended to use environmentally friendly idols, and the necessary measures are taken against the use of plaster by Paris or plastic, he added.
Published – August 23, 2025 07:54 PM is