Every year during Ganesh Chaturthi water and air pollution will go up in many parts of our country as hundreds of thousands of people will gather to immerse Ganpati idols into the water bodies. Since the idols are made from Plaster of Paris these are non-biodegradable naturally and so these continue to float on the water for a long time thereby choking the water bodies and adversely impacting aquatic ecosystems.

One of the main reasons for air and water pollution due to Ganesh Chaturthi is the immersion of the Lord Ganesh idol in the oceans. Generally, these idols are made up of chemicals and non biodegradable wastes like plastic and thermocol for decoration. When the idol with these things is immersed in water, these materials dissolve in water and cause water pollution. This water pollution leads to the death of many aquatic animals and humans as they drink this water. So to prevent this we need to celebrate Eco-Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi.

• We can celebrate Eco-Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi by making the Idols with materials like clay. And decoration should also be very less on the idols and the decoration should be with biodegradable materials
• Clay is not toxic and thus doesn’t pollute water. Clay idols are easy to make and are very cheap as well so people can make them easily themselves too.
• And Instead of big idols we can make small ganesh idols. This saves the resources.
• Nowadays biodegradable plastics are in use. People can use them to create the idols.
• The idol can also be made with fertilisers and mud and there can be a seed inside. Then on the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi instead of immersing in water we can immerse it in a plot or dirt. And give water to it. By this way the seed inside the idol will grow up. The fertilisers will help in the growth of the plant and the seed will grow up into a tree

Materials Required for making the idol:

1. Clay Water Dough
2. Flower (for decoration)

Now lets see how we can make it

Step 1: Take clay and mix it well in water to make a nice dough. Divide the dough into pieces.

Step 2: Take one of the four pieces, flatten it and make the base of your idol. Use a ruler to smoothen the edges.

Step 3: Make a goof-ball sized torso of the idol and use a toothpick to join the body and base of the idol. In case a toothpick isn’t available, use 2-3 drops of water to stick the two

Step 4: Make four long rolls to make legs, arm and trunk of the idol. Take two rolls, flatten the end of the rolls outwards and stick them onto the torso of the idol. Take one roll, wrap it around the idol right above the legs and flatten one of the sides upwards to make it look like a blessing. Create palm for the idol. Carefully carve the fingers and the thumb on it.

Step 5: Take another piece of clay and roll it in the shape of a ball and place it over the body. That is the head of the idol. Take the final piece of long roll and place it in the middle of the head. Depending on your choice, make the trunk curvy. You can also give a pointy look to the end of the trunk.

Step 6: Make small size balls for ears, eyes and ladoos. Use 3-4 drops of water for each of them and finish final touch. Stick the ears and flatten them out. Stick the eyes and place a ladoo on the hand.

Step 7: Make intricate designs on the idol. Use clay sculpting tools to make dhoti. If you don’t have one use a spoon or a knife. You can also place a stole on one of the shoulders. This way you can ensure that the hand has got a firm grip. Add extra clay on the back and seal the gaps.

Step 8: Give final touches and place the Ganapati idol in leafy bowl or any other reusable bowl.