In a time-honored tradition, Sanatan beliefs emphasize the importance of worshiping Lord Ganesha before any auspicious event. This reverence is why the festive season in India begins with Ganesh Chaturthi.

A few years ago, during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, the Prime Minister urged the nation to embrace eco-friendly practices by avoiding the use of plaster of Paris (POP) for making idols and instead opting for natural clay.The Central Pollution Control Board did a study on the impact of immersion of Idols on lakes. They concluded that the water quality had depleted, the acid content had increased, the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) had increased by 100% and the oxygen level had reduced. Even heavy metals like iron and copper had increased by 10 times in the composition of the water.

In 2014, another study was conducted on the lakes of Mumbai. The study concluded that there were significant changes in the physicochemical properties of water. The PH of water before immersion was 6.7-6.8, but after immersion, it was 7.5. The temperature of the lakes also increased. This affected the oxygen level in the water. During pre-immersion, the dissolved oxygen was observed to be very low (0.4-0.5mg/litre). It was observed comparably high during the post-immersion (1.4-2.5 mg/litre) which is not suitable for fauna and flora.

Responding to this call, the governments of Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan took proactive steps by issuing orders that promote the use of clay idols. However, in Delhi, the capital city, POP idols are still being produced and sold, particularly along roadsides from Noida to Akshardham. This situation mirrors the reality in many cities and towns across the country.

As the festival season continues, with celebrations like Durga Puja, Navratri, Vishwakarma Puja, Diwali, and Holi, the importance of using eco-friendly materials becomes even more pressing. It is estimated that over one million idols are crafted during these three months, with 90 percent of them made from POP. This leads to the submersion of hundreds of tons of POP, chemical dyes, and other materials into the nation’s water bodies, causing significant environmental harm.

Plaster of Paris, which is calcium sulfate hemihydrate derived from gypsum, does not degrade easily. Most POP idols are water-insoluble and painted with non-biodegradable colors, drastically reducing the biological oxygen demand in water after immersion, posing a serious threat to aquatic life.

In the past, potters would collect fine clay from riverbanks during the monsoon season to craft idols. These clay idols, when immersed in water after worship, would break down naturally, providing nourishment for aquatic animals. After August, fish eggs hatch, and the young fish rely on ample food to grow. Offerings from these clay idols would support fish and turtles, which play a crucial role in maintaining clean water.

In the Arabian Sea off the Mumbai coasts every year there are over 1.5 lakh idols immersed leading to the fall of oxygen level in the sea by 50 percent right after the festival.

The significance of celebrating Green Ganesha and embracing eco-friendly practices during Ganesh Chaturthi is essential for a number of key reasons:

1. Environmental Conservation
Celebrating a green Ganesh Chaturthi helps reduce pollution and conserves natural resources. By choosing sustainable materials, we can prevent the degradation of water bodies and soil, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.

2. Promoting Health and Safety
Using natural and non-toxic materials for Ganesha idols reduces health risks associated with exposure to harmful chemicals. Cleaner air and water lead to a safer and healthier community.

3. Supporting Local Artisans
Eco-friendly idols are often handcrafted by local artisans using traditional methods. By opting for these idols, we support their livelihoods and help preserve cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

4. Raising Awareness
Celebrating Green Ganesha creates awareness about environmental issues and encourages others to adopt sustainable practices. It fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment and inspires collective action for a greener planet.

5. Legal Compliance
Many regions have regulations in place to prevent the use of harmful materials for idol-making. Adhering to these guidelines ensures compliance with the law and promotes ethical practices.

Therefore, it is essential to return to the tradition of using clay idols, allowing the soil to return to soil, to protect our environment and preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystem.