Tamil Nadu districts issue eco-friendly norms for Vinayaka Chathurthi idols and processions
District administrations in southern Tamil Nadu have issued detailed guidelines for the installation, procession and immersion of Vinayaka idols during Vinayaka Chathurthi, with a clear emphasis on environmental safety and public order. The directives, issued in coordination with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, cover material usage, noise restrictions, permitted routes and designated immersion points.
Tirunelveli District Collector Anand Mohan stated that only clay, plant fibres and eco-friendly paints should be used for making idols that will be immersed in the sea, waterbodies or rivers. The use of insoluble Plaster of Paris, plastic, thermocol and other non-biodegradable materials has been expressly prohibited. To ensure compliance, CCTV cameras are to be installed at permitted pandals where idols are placed for worship under metal sheet sheds. Organisers have been barred from using cone speakers and must obtain prior police permission for box speakers.
Processions are to be taken only along approved routes. Officials said that persons in an inebriated state will not be allowed to participate. Processions must not halt in front of or near other places of worship, and no slogans should be raised during the march. Idols must be immersed before the prescribed time, after which participants are expected to return home peacefully. Local bodies have been instructed to collect decorative articles floating on waterbodies after immersion and dispose of them safely.
For Tirunelveli district, immersion will be permitted at the artificial tank near Peratchiamman Temple, Uvari, Chettikulam and Thillaivanamthoppu beaches, and the Karukurichi and Vagaikulam ponds, following processions along designated routes.
In Thoothukudi district, Collector Vishu Mahajan announced that idols measuring less than 10 feet including the pedestal may be installed in public places only after obtaining permission from designated officials. Public address systems using box speakers will be allowed for two hours each in the morning and evening. These systems must not be placed near other worship places, hospitals or educational institutions. Immersion for Thoothukudi district will be conducted at Terespuram, Muthaiahpuram, Tiruchendur and Kulasekarapattinam beaches. Processions must proceed peacefully on four-wheelers along approved routes.
In Kanniyakumari district, officials have identified ten locations for immersion: Kanniyakumari, Sothuvilai, Chinnavilai, Sanguthurai, Vettumadai, Midalam and Thengaipattinam beaches, Pallikondan check-dam, Thirparappu Falls and the Tamirabharani River. District authorities, led by M. Prathap, said high-mast lights, public address systems and CCTV cameras will be arranged to regulate crowds gathered for immersion.
The guidelines aim to balance religious freedom with environmental protection and public safety. Authorities have urged devotees and organisers to cooperate and ensure a peaceful and pollution-free festival.
