Eco-Friendly Ganesh Festival Guidelines – NMC Waives Permit Fees
Eco-Friendly Ganesh Festival Guidelines: With the Ganesh Festival beginning on September 7 this year, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has taken a significant step towards promoting an environmentally friendly celebration. In a move that reflects its commitment to sustainability, the NMC has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to ensure that the festival is celebrated with minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, the NMC has decided to waive all permit fees for Ganesh Mandals, making it easier for the community to organize the festivities.
The Importance of an Eco-Friendly Ganesh Festival
The Ganesh Festival is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, known for its grand processions, elaborate decorations, and vibrant celebrations. However, in recent years, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of the festival, particularly regarding the use of non-biodegradable materials, noise pollution, and the immersion of idols in natural water bodies. These practices have led to significant environmental damage, prompting authorities to take action.
Guidelines Issued by the NMC (Eco-Friendly Ganesh Festival Guidelines)
1. Ban on POP Idols
As per the Central Pollution Control Board’s guidelines dated May 12, 2020, there is a strict ban on the production and purchase of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols. POP idols are harmful to the environment as they do not dissolve easily in water, leading to water pollution. The NMC has urged citizens to opt for idols made from eco-friendly materials such as clay, which are biodegradable and do not harm the environment.
2. Implementation of ‘One Complex, One Ganpati’
To reduce the number of idols and processions, the concept of ‘One Complex, One Ganpati’ should be implemented in residential complexes, institutions, and households. This initiative is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the festival by limiting the number of idols and ensuring that celebrations are more community-focused. Noise levels during processions should also be controlled to prevent noise pollution.
3. Registration of Idol Makers
All idol makers and artists are required to register and obtain licenses through the NMC’s zonal offices(Eco-Friendly Ganesh Festival Guidelines). This measure ensures that only authorized and trained individuals are involved in the creation of idols, further promoting the use of eco-friendly materials.
4. Immersion of Idols
The immersion of idols should not be carried out in the city’s natural water bodies. All lakes within the NMC jurisdiction are restricted for immersion, and devotees are advised to use artificial ponds provided by the NMC. This guideline is crucial in preventing water pollution and protecting the city’s natural resources.
5. Height Restrictions for Idols
There will be no height restrictions for Mandal idols during the 2024 Ganesh Festival(Eco-Friendly Ganesh Festival Guidelines). However, immersion must take place only in artificial ponds. For Mandals with idols taller than 4 feet, arrangements should be made outside the NMC jurisdiction, and they should inform the relevant police stations to obtain the necessary permissions for processions.
6. Voluntary Adherence to Height Limits for Household Idols
While there is no official height limit this year, citizens are encouraged to voluntarily adhere to the previously set limit of 2 feet for household idols. This recommendation is in line with efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the festival.
7. Use of Eco-Friendly Materials
The NMC has emphasized the use of eco-friendly materials in the creation of idols. Hazardous and non-biodegradable chemical paints should not be used. Instead, idol makers are encouraged to use eco-friendly colors. Additionally, the use of plastic and thermocol for decoration is strictly prohibited.
8. Penalties for Violations
Vendors found manufacturing, storing, using, or selling POP idols will face strict penalties. The NMC has announced that such idols will be confiscated, and vendors will be fined Rs 10,000. This penalty is intended to deter the use of non-biodegradable materials and promote compliance with the guidelines.
9. Waiver of Fees for Ganesh Mandals
The NMC has waived all application verification and inspection fees of Rs 200, as well as the security deposit ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000, for Ganesh Mandals. This waiver is part of the NMC’s effort to support the community in organizing the festival while ensuring that the celebrations are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
10. Additional Fee Waivers
In addition to the waiver of application fees, the NMC has also waived the Fire Department’s fees for Mandal permits, along with fees for erecting pandals on gardens, properties, and private plots. This comprehensive waiver is expected to ease the financial burden on Ganesh Mandals and encourage broader participation in the festival.
11. Online Registration and Facilitation Centres
To streamline the registration process, the NMC will provide an online registration link for Ganesh Mandals. Zonal facilitation centres will also be established to assist Mandals in the registration process and ensure that all guidelines are followed.
12. Reduced Security Deposit for Traditional Idol Makers
Based on requests from traditional idol makers, the NMC has reduced the security deposit to Rs 500, down from the usual Rs 5,000. This reduction is aimed at supporting traditional artisans while ensuring that they adhere to the eco-friendly guidelines.
13. Allocation of Public Spaces for Clay Idols
The NMC will allocate public spaces within the city for the sale of eco-friendly clay idols or provide space for the installation of stalls. The estimated charge for a 10×10 feet stall will be Rs 1,000 per stall per day. This initiative is designed to promote the use of eco-friendly materials by making them more accessible to the public.
14. Promotion of Health-Related Activities
Organizing committees and Ganesh Mandals are encouraged to prioritize health-related activities during the festival. This includes raising awareness about diseases such as malaria, dengue, and filariasis, as well as promoting cleanliness and waste segregation.
15. Adequate Lighting and Streetlight Improvements
The NMC has committed to arranging adequate lighting at artificial immersion sites and improving streetlights along immersion routes. These measures are intended to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees during the immersion process.
16. Waiver of Cleanliness Fee
The NMC has fully waived the cleanliness fee of Rs 500 for the 2024 Ganesh Festival. This waiver is part of the NMC’s broader effort to support Ganesh Mandals and promote an eco-friendly celebration.
17. Prohibition of Immersion in City Lakes
Immersion in all city lakes is strictly prohibited, and barricades will be set up to protect these natural water bodies. This measure is critical in preventing water pollution and preserving the city’s natural resources.
18. Medical Support at Immersion Sites
To ensure the safety of devotees, medical officers will arrange for ambulances at the immersion sites. This initiative is part of the NMC’s commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for the festival.
19. Fire Department and Lifeguard Presence
The fire department, along with lifeguards, will be present at immersion sites to ensure the safety of devotees. This measure is intended to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth and safe immersion process.
20. Compliance with Government and NMC Guidelines
While the fees for permits for Ganesh Mandals have been waived for the 2024 Ganesh Festival, it is mandatory to comply with the conditions mentioned in various circulars (government/NMC) as well as the orders of the High Court. This includes compliance with fire department conditions, licensing conditions, and government directives regarding the ban on plastic and thermocol.
The NMC’s guidelines for the 2024 Ganesh Festival reflect a strong commitment to promoting an environmentally friendly celebration. By waiving permit fees and issuing comprehensive guidelines, the NMC has made it easier for the community to organize the festival while ensuring that it is celebrated in a manner that respects the environment. These initiatives, if followed diligently, will help protect Nagpur’s natural resources and set a positive example for future festivals.
1. Why has the NMC banned POP idols?
The NMC has banned POP idols because they are non-biodegradable and contribute to water pollution when immersed in natural water bodies.
2. What are the penalties for vendors selling POP idols?
Vendors found selling POP idols will have their idols confiscated and will be fined Rs 10,000.
3. How can Ganesh Mandals register for the festival?
Ganesh Mandals can register online through a link provided by the NMC or visit zonal facilitation centres for assistance.
4. Are there any height restrictions for Ganesh idols this year?
There are no height restrictions for Mandal idols this year, but immersion must take place in artificial ponds.
5. What health-related activities are encouraged during the festival?
Organizing committees and Ganesh Mandals are encouraged to raise awareness about diseases like malaria, dengue, and filariasis, and promote cleanliness and waste segregation.
