I strongly feel our Hindu brothers should adopt eco-friendly Ganesha idols, made from natural, biodegradable materials like clay, soil, or even seeds. These dissolve harmlessly in water, unlike Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols that pollute rivers and seas.
The sight of broken idol parts washed ashore is deeply painful for devotees who had worshipped them just days before. Using PoP idols turns devotion into disrespect, as beaches and water bodies bear evidence of neglect and environmental damage.
Despite the elaborate preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi, the true respect for Lord Ganesha lies in following traditions that honour both God and nature. Every year, authorities, pollution control boards, and municipal workers are forced to spend public money clearing the mess with JCBs and trucks—a completely avoidable waste.
This cycle must not continue. The government should enforce strict action, but more importantly, people themselves must pledge to say a firm “No” to PoP idols and harmful firecrackers. Only then will faith and responsibility go hand in hand.
