GHMC to Distribute One Lakh Free Clay Ganesh Idols Across Hyderabad

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation will distribute one lakh clay Ganesh idols free of cost across Hyderabad ahead of the upcoming festival. The distribution will take place through civic circle and zonal offices in the second week of September.

According to municipal officials, the distribution targets individual devotees, colony welfare associations, and organisers of local Ganesh mandaps. The measure is part of the state government's 'Eco Ganesha, Green Ganesha, Clay Ganesha' campaign, which aims to encourage environmentally sustainable practices and reduce reliance on Plaster of Paris idols that pollute local water bodies during immersion.

The civic body has planned a total distribution comprising 70,000 eight-inch idols, 20,000 one-foot idols, and 10,000 idols measuring 1.5 feet. The move expands on previous years' eco-friendly initiatives following positive responses from the public.

To procure the idols, the municipal corporation will select agencies through a competitive tender process, adopting the lowest quoted rates within fixed financial ceilings. The civic body has established maximum permissible procurement costs of Rs 34.30 for an eight-inch idol, Rs 142 for a one-foot idol, and Rs 220 for a 1.5-foot idol.

Under the tender guidelines, successful bidders will be responsible for transporting and delivering the idols to designated distribution centres within municipal limits at their own expense. All consignments must arrive at the designated locations at least one week prior to the festival.

The corporation has stipulated strict material guidelines for the manufacturing process. All procured idols must be made exclusively from natural clay and biodegradable components without artificial additives. The municipal corporation has prohibited the use of artificial colours, chemical dyes, and oil paints to prevent toxic contamination of Hyderabad's lakes and water bodies during immersion rituals.