the Commissioner said clay idols can be easily dissolved in water and suggested to the people to avoid idols made of Plaster of Paris and other chemicals. He asked the people to follow the guidelines prescribed by the police department for installation of idols as well as to take out procession and immersion in Krishna river. He reiterated that police permission is must for the installation of Idols and pandals in the city.

Sawang congratulated Paryavarana Parirakshana Samiti (Environmental Protection Committee), an NGO, for making clay idols in the city and creating awareness among the people about the ill effects of using idols made of harmful Plaster of Pand other chemicals.

Paryavarana Parirakshana Samiti (Environmental Protection Committee) president M Raghuram said the Ganesh idols were made of clay and coconut coir and available in nine different shapes and sizes between three and six feet. He said the Samiti pays Rs 500 to each worker per day as wages and it will take six to seven days for making each idol.

He said the committee was formed with only seven members recently with a view to educate people on use of eco-friendly clay idols for environment protection. He said there is a good response from the people as people are placing orders for clay idols.