Pimpri: In a bid to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness among the younger generation, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is organizing its first-ever eco-friendly Ganesha idol-making and decoration competition across PCMC-run schools. This initiative aims to shift the focus from traditional practices to eco-friendly celebrations during the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

The competition, which will be conducted at the school level, invites students from grades 5 to 10 to participate in creating Ganpati idols and festive decorations using sustainable, biodegradable, or recycled materials. The initiative is expected to instil a sense of environmental ownership while allowing students to express their creativity in a festive setting.

Students will compete in two main categories, Idol Creation, wherein crafting Ganpati idols using natural materials such as clay, paper-mâché, and natural fibers is expected, while on the decoration front, designing festive decorations with recycled materials, natural elements, and biodegradable items is expected.

To ensure widespread participation and adherence to eco-friendly practices, an Eco-Club will be formed in each participating school, consisting of two students per class. These clubs will coordinate with the campaign and competition, including organizing awareness campaigns about eco-friendly practices.

The Ganpati idols and decorations created by students will be displayed in an exhibition from September 3 to 5, 2024, in a soon-to-be-announced venue. A panel of judges, including art teachers, environmentalists, and local community leaders, will evaluate the entries based on creativity, adherence to eco-friendly principles, and overall impact.

PCMC Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil on the initiative said, “This is a unique opportunity for students to engage in eco-friendly practices from a young age. We hope this will set a precedent for future celebrations, not just within our schools but across the entire community.”

“Our goal is to educate young minds about the importance of sustainability, especially during cultural and religious celebrations. This competition not only encourages creativity but also instils a deep respect for our environment.”

Shekhar Singh, Commissioner, PCMC

Health department to launch awareness campaign for schools 

The Health Department of PCMC is launching an on-the-ground awareness campaign to educate schools and students participating in the Eco-Friendly Ganpati Challenge 2024 about environmentally sustainable practices. Schools are encouraged to collaborate with the awareness agencies and register for the competition by filling out a Google form. This registration will assist PCMC in systematically organizing the exhibition for its public schools.

Key guidelines for schools:

- For Idol Making: Use of natural clay, bamboo, and wooden logs. Incorporation of sugarcane sticks pyramids and clay mixed with alum for enhanced environmental benefits. Natural colours for painting idols.

 - For Decorations: Use of corrugated sheets, cloth, wood, bamboo, natural flowers, and other recycled materials. The use of materials such as Plaster of Paris, single-use plastics, thermocol, and non-recycled items is strictly prohibited stated a press release.