In an effort to celebrate the upcoming eleven-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival with a strong focus on environmental conservation, local authorities in Hyderabad have rolled out a massive green initiative. To protect local water bodies from pollution and promote sustainable celebrations, the administration has arranged to distribute four lakh eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols entirely free of cost to residents across Hyderabad and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Three Municipal Corporations Take Charge of Distribution
To ensure that citizens can easily access these clay idols without any hassle, three major municipal corporations have taken up the responsibility of managing the distribution process. Out of the total four lakh idols, half, which amounts to two lakh pieces, will be distributed exclusively by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. The remaining two lakh idols will be distributed jointly by the Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation and the Suncity or Cyberabad Municipal Corporation.
Idols Available in Three Distinct Sizes
Catering to the diverse requirements of worshippers and varying spaces at home or in community prayer sites, the clay idols have been crafted in three different sizes. These options include eight-inch, one-foot, and one-and-a-half-foot tall statues. The administration firmly believes that using natural clay instead of conventional plaster of paris and harmful chemical paints will play a crucial role in safeguarding the delicate ecosystem of local lakes.
Twenty-Five Water Bodies Designated for Immersion
According to M. Padmanabha Reddy, to facilitate a smooth and orderly immersion process at the conclusion of the eleven-day festivities, twenty-five major water bodies and specially constructed artificial ponds across the city are being prepared. Immersion locations will be strictly determined based on the size and weight of the idols, ensuring that major lakes are not overburdened and that all safety standards are rigorously followed.
Previous Year Saw Immersion of Over Two Lakh Idols
During the previous year in 2025, more than two lakh seven thousand Ganesh idols were peacefully immersed across the Greater Hyderabad region. Out of these, roughly fifty thousand idols were immersed in the historic Hussain Sagar lake, while the rest found their way into major water bodies such as Saroornagar, Kukatpally, Kapra, IDL, and Safilguda. Heavy security, traffic regulation, and crowd management during the event relied on the deployment of over fifty thousand police personnel.
Final Preparations Underway with Inter-Departmental Coordination
For the current year as well, preparations to ensure a safe, smooth, and thoroughly eco-friendly celebration are in their final stages through close coordination among the three municipal corporations, the police department, and the pollution control board. The primary emphasis of the administration remains on promoting clay idols while maintaining the cleanliness and security of all water sources throughout the immersion period.
