Panvel Civic Body Conducts Eco-Friendly Clay Ganesh Idol Workshop at School
With the aim of promoting an eco-friendly Ganeshotsav, the Panvel Municipal Corporation organised a workshop on making Ganesh idols from natural clay at Loknete Ramsheth Thakur Public School on Thursday. The initiative was held to encourage students and local residents across the area to celebrate the festival in an environmentally responsible manner.
The workshop was conducted under the civic body's ‘Utsav Ganrayacha, Jagar Paryavaranacha’ (Celebrating Ganpati, Creating Environmental Awareness) initiative. This programme is being implemented as part of the Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan 7.0 framework, under the guidance of Mayor Nitin Patil and Municipal Commissioner Mangesh Chitale.
Organised by the PMC's Environment Department, the session aimed to create awareness among citizens and give schoolchildren direct, hands-on experience in making eco-friendly Ganesh idols. During the practical session, students participated enthusiastically and tried their hand at sculpting Ganesh idols from natural clay.
During the workshop, students were briefed on the importance of celebrating Ganeshotsav in an eco-friendly manner, the environmental benefits of idols made from natural clay, and the need to protect the environment during the festival. Organisers highlighted the importance of avoiding artificial materials to safeguard local nature.
Speaking on the initiative, Deputy Commissioner Swaroop Kharge said similar workshops are being held at various locations to encourage environmentally responsible celebrations across the civic limits. Assistant Commissioner Balaram Ratambe and school principal Avinash Kulkarni were also present during the workshop alongside teachers and municipal staff.
The civic body is promoting the idea of involving children in making Ganesh idols at home and subsequently installing them for rituals. Officials explained that this is being pursued with the broader objective of leaving behind a healthier environmental legacy for future generations.
Highlighting the balance between tradition and conservation, officials remarked: “Ganeshotsav is a festival of faith and culture, but protecting the environment is equally important.” They urged citizens to adopt eco-friendly practices throughout the celebrations.
Participants at the school workshop also took the Majhi Vasundhara pledge, committing themselves to environmental conservation. The PMC concluded the event by appealing to citizens to actively contribute to environmental protection by opting for eco-friendly Ganeshotsav celebrations.
