Hyderabad: With just a few days to go for Ganesh Chaturthi, the Telangana government has appealed to people to opt for smaller and eco-friendly idols this time.
The Hyderabad police issued orders restricting the height of idols due to ongoing construction work at the metro network. This has caused a dip in demand for big idols, with ones that are 10-20 feet tall not finding any takers at the famous Dhoolpet market in the city.
"We have been told not to make idols more than 15 feet or else police will book a case. The same threat has been issued to Ganesh pandals, so there is no sale of big idols. There is only a 30 percent sale. We are suffering losses," said Jogender Singh, an idol maker.
Another idol maker Jai Singh said his people have been making idols for generations and that they would appeal to the government not to impose any restrictions that affect their business.
For residents of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Dhoolpet market is the place to get the most attractive Ganesh idols. But this year, even as the artists are applying the finishing touches to the colourful idols, the place has a deserted look.
Besides this, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is planning to ban plaster of paris idols from next year to check lake pollution. The Telangana government has also constructed mini ponds around 10 lakes to prevent immersion of idols into lakes.
But Ganesh Utsav Samitis in Hyderabad have decided to oppose the government's move and immerse idols in the Hussain Sagar lake like they do every year.
Terming the government's plan impractical, a resident said “There are so many idols, and it’s not practically possible to immerse all big idols in that small tank. The idols will have to be immersed in lakes only”
The idol makers have vowed to fight back if the government decides to go ahead with a ban on plaster of paris idols. "What will we do to earn a livelhood? Many governments had tried to stop this tradition. We will protest,” says Ram Chander, whose family has been making idols for years.
However, with increasing environmental awareness, people are welcoming the government's move. Municipal officials too are doing their bit by promoting clay Ganesha idols.
The Telangana government's drive against large idols will have one noteable exception though - the 58 feet tall Khairatabad Ganesh idol will continue to attract people this year as well.
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