Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg has urged citizens to install Ganesh idols made of natural clay and avoid those made of Plaster of Paris (PoP), chemical colours and other materials that can harmf the environment.

In a release on Tuesday, Mr Garg advised pandal organisers to avoid single-use plastic and other banned plastic items for pandal decorations, and instead choose eco-friendly alternatives. He said: ”Organisers should set up Ganesh pandals only after obtaining the necessary permissions from the concerned departments.” They should ensure cleanliness in and around pandals every day and segregate wet and dry waste before handing it over to the GVMC sanitation personnel.

Flowers, puja materials, food waste and other waste should not be dumped on roads, in drains or at public places, he said

After the festivities, organisers should promptly remove pandals and decoration materials and ensure that the premises are restored to a clean condition.

— eom