Madurai District Administration has urged the public to celebrate Vinayaka Chathurthi festival by following the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released instructions that should be followed during celebrating the Vinayaka Chathurthi holiday, according to a statement from the Madurai District Administration. According to a news release, idols built entirely of natural, biodegradable, eco-friendly raw materials will be allowed to be submerged in waterbodies without the use of thermocol (polystyrene) or plaster of paris.

Only dried flowers, straw, etc. would be permitted to be used as idol decorations, and only natural tree resins may be used to polish the idols. The usage of thermocol and single-use plastic was forbidden. To avoid contaminating water sources, eco-friendly materials should be used to create or decorate the idols, pandals, and tazias. Use of oil paints or harmful, non-biodegradable chemical colours was strictly forbidden. It is best to avoid using enamel and artificial dye-based paints to embellish the idols. Instead of using throwaway materials to decorate the idols, detachable and washable ornamental clothing composed of natural fibres and colours should be utilised.

Vinayaka idols should be immersed only in the following waterbodies: the Vaigai, Kilthoppu, Othakadaikulam, Vadipatti, Kumaram tank, Melakkal, lyyanar Koil oorani, Gundaru, Maravankulam tank, Mottaikulam tank, Saptur tank, Devankurichi tank, Mankatti Theppakulam, Vaigai Thaikall Palam, Tirupparankundram Chevanthikulam kanmai, Avaniapuram, Ayan Pappakudi kanmai, Tirumangalam Sivarakottai Kamandalanathi, Melur Kottampatti Sivan Koil tank, the press statement said.