Hyderabad, 11 September (H.S.): Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Friday appealed to people to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with devotion while ensuring environmental protection, urging them to use eco-friendly clay idols to minimise pollution of water bodies.

Extending his greetings to the people of Telangana and across the country on the occasion, the Governor stressed the need for environmentally responsible celebrations during the festival.

As part of an initiative to promote eco-friendly celebrations, Shukla, along with his wife Janaki Shukla, distributed clay Ganesha idols to officials and employees of Lok Bhavan and members of the media at the Lok Bhavan premises here.

The Governor said idol installation and puja ceremonies would begin from September 14 and called for measures to protect the environment throughout the festival.

He said clay idols, being made from natural material, dissolve in water and can help reduce the adverse impact of idol immersion on water bodies. He appealed to people to avoid idols made of plaster of Paris (PoP) and those painted with chemical-based colours, which can contribute to water pollution.

Shukla also urged the media to play an active role in creating awareness about environmentally responsible celebrations. He said journalists and media organisations could highlight the importance of clay idols, water conservation and prevention of pollution and take the message to a wider section of society.

Emphasising the need for collective efforts, the Governor said people should work together to protect water bodies during idol immersion and ensure that religious celebrations do not adversely affect the environment.

Joint Secretary to the Governor Komanduri Shashi Kiran Chary and others were present.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar