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Citing guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has urged citizens to stay away from harmful items during the Ganesh festival celebrations, including idols, to avoid environmental damage caused by certain chemicals.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Kunal Khamnar said people should avoid buying plaster of paris (PoP) idols as they are prohibited. According to CPCB guidelines, manufacturers of Ganesh idols must use only organic, biodegradable materials. Clay can be used but PoP, plastic and heat should be strictly avoided.”
He also said that the citizens should use wreaths made of dry flowers and use natural resin to decorate the idols. Moreover, the idols should only be painted with water-soluble colors as they are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. . “
Last year, PMC warned of action against those making PoP idols in the city.
The civic body, in last year’s initiative, has gathered more than 2.5 Ganesh idols to immerse themselves in during the festival, most of whom are PoP. PMCs also distribute ammonium bicarbonate to citizens in order to melt idols in a bucket at home.
About 1 lakh kg of ammonium bicarbonate is distributed among the citizens every year.
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