Tirupati MLA urges eco-friendly Ganesh idols, advises early immersion amid Brahmotsavams

Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu on Sunday urged the public to install eco-friendly clay idols of Lord Ganesh during the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, instead of using Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols that are harmful to the environment. He was speaking after inaugurating the office of Sri Vara Siddhi Vinayaka Utsava Committee at the Sports Complex in Tirupati.

The MLA advised organisers of Ganesh pandals in the city to conduct the immersion of idols on September 16 in view of the Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavams, which are set to commence on September 15 at the Tirumala temple. He asked them to ensure that the setup and management of the pandals reflect a spirit of devotion and do not cause inconvenience to the public.

Mr. Srinivasulu commended the committee for successfully conducting immersion processions in the city in a peaceful atmosphere for the past 25 years. He said that with the coordination of all departments, necessary arrangements at Vinayaka Sagar were progressing briskly for the immersion event, on the lines of the Hyderabad Ganesh immersion. He expressed confidence that the event would be conducted smoothly with public cooperation.

Samanchi Srinivas, convener of Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Mahotsava Committee, said permissions would be granted via a single-window system to those setting up pandals if they contacted their office. He also stated that a proposal to provide free electricity to the festival pandals is currently before Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, and a positive decision was expected soon. He appealed to everyone to cooperate by immersing idols on the third day, September 16, to ensure that all processions conclude safely before the Brahmotsavams begin.

In a separate event, Tirupati District Superintendent of Police L. Subbarayudu advised the public to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi peacefully while adhering to police guidelines and regulations. He urged organisers to secure necessary permissions and to avoid any actions that could disrupt public order. The police, he added, would provide all necessary support to ensure a trouble-free festival.

The push for eco-friendly idols comes amid growing concerns over the environmental impact of PoP idols, which do not dissolve easily in water and can leave behind non-biodegradable waste and chemical residues. Clay idols, by contrast, are seen as a safer alternative as they are biodegradable and do not pollute water bodies such as rivers, ponds, and lakes. Environmental groups have repeatedly called for a shift to traditional materials during festivals.

Ganesh Chaturthi, the annual festival honouring Lord Ganesh, is celebrated with great fervour in Andhra Pradesh. Idols of varying sizes are installed in homes and public pandals, with festivities lasting from one-and-a-half days to ten days, depending on tradition. The immersion ceremony, known as Ganesh Visarjan, marks the conclusion of the festival and is often accompanied by large processions.

The decision to schedule immersion on September 16 is significant as it coincides with the beginning of the annual Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavams at the Tirumala temple, one of the most important religious events in the region. Local authorities are expected to deploy additional personnel to manage the rush of pilgrims and processions on the same day.

Efforts to promote eco-friendly celebrations have gained momentum in recent years, with several districts in Andhra Pradesh discouraging the use of PoP idols. The district administration has been conducting awareness campaigns and encouraging citizens to opt for idols made of natural clay. Officials have also appealed to pandal organisers to use eco-friendly materials for decorations and to ensure that immersions are carried out in designated points only.

Meanwhile, residents of Tirupati have expressed mixed reactions to the call for an early immersion, with some appreciating the environmental angle and others concerned about curtailing the traditional festive period. However, organisers have largely welcomed the guidance, saying it allows for proper planning and coordination ahead of the Brahmotsavams.