Let’s Celebrate an Eco-Friendly Ganeshotsav!

Ganeshotsav will soon begin, filling the environment with vitality and enthusiasm. Efforts are being made by the government and the administration of the concerned district to implement environment-friendly Ganeshotsav activities. Kolhapur district, known for its progressive thinking, is leading this initiative. All of us should install shadu or clay Ganesha idols, immerse them in artificial tanks, emphasize traditional musical instruments during processions, and promote this art through the presentation of folk art and the adventurous arts of the Shiva period. Let’s celebrate Ganeshotsav in a truly eco-friendly way by limiting the use of Dolby sound systems to protect our health and environment.

Emphasis on Shadu and Clay Ganesha Idols

Currently, most Ganesha idols are made from Plaster of Paris (POP), and harmful colors are used to decorate these idols. These idols do not dissolve completely in water, even after immersion, which contributes to water and air pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize the installation of shadu or clay Ganesha idols.

Use of Traditional Instruments

Folk dances, troupes, and traditional instruments from various regions are the true identity of our country. During major festival celebrations, there is a need to promote Shiva’s adventurous art forms such as dhol, tasha, halgi, janj, lezeem, as well as swordsmanship, dandapatta, and mandani khel. It is essential to highlight the performance of folk dances and traditional instruments during Ganeshotsav and processions.

Efforts by the State Government for Eco-Friendly Ganeshotsav

The state government honors the best public Ganeshotsav mandals in the state by awarding prizes. Last year, the first place at the state level was awarded a prize of Rs. 5 lakh, the second place received Rs. 2.5 lakh, and the third place was awarded Rs. 1 lakh. Other top Ganeshotsav mandals received a prize of Rs. 25,000 each and a certificate from the state government.

District Administration’s Efforts for Environment-Friendly Ganeshotsav

Environment-friendly Ganeshotsav has been celebrated in the district since 2015, and in the nine years from 2015 to 2023, citizens have responded very well to this initiative. Efforts are being made through the Zilla Parishad, Municipal Corporation, Municipalities, and Municipal Councils to encourage all families in the district to participate in eco-friendly Ganeshotsav activities. District Guardian Minister Hasan Mushrif, District Collector Amol Yedge, and Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Karthikeyan S. have planned this activity in a highly organized manner to prevent the pollution of public water resources such as rivers, lakes, and drinking water wells in the district.

The district administration, Zilla Parishad, Superintendent of Police, Environment Department officials, and experts will hold a meeting with the heads of Ganesha Mandals in the district to emphasize public awareness. District Collector Shri Yedge has taken the lead in these efforts.

Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Karthikeyan S. has also carefully planned eco-friendly Ganeshotsav activities through all Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats. Sarpanchs and Gram Panchayats in the district are being encouraged to involve as many families as possible in this activity.

Under the concept of ‘One Village, One Ganesha,’ the installation of public Ganesha idols in villages, as well as the installation of metal, marble, or other alternative or clay idols for household Ganesha idols, is encouraged. Households are also encouraged to immerse their Ganesha idols at home or in nearby artificial ponds or tanks. Asha, Anganwadi workers, and school students will raise public awareness about village-wise idol collection and immersion, listing idols at the village level for re-immersion, ensuring clean collection, transportation arrangements, and proper management. This initiative will be coordinated at the district level.

Last year, a total of 1,122 old wells and mines were identified in the district for eco-friendly Ganesh immersion. Additionally, 977 artificial ponds and large pots were arranged as alternatives. There were also 300 idolaters who took back the idols. A total of 1,321 trolleys and 188 bell carts were used for the collection of Nirmalya (sacred offerings).

In 2023, 467,000 Ganesha idols were collected, and instead of immersing them in water sources, alternative immersion tanks were created for respectful immersion. Pramod Mane, Deputy Regional Officer of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, has appealed to the public to avoid immersing idols in rivers to prevent river pollution.

Avoid Overuse of Firecrackers

Harmful gases and toxic substances released from firecrackers mix into the atmosphere, increasing air and noise pollution and posing health hazards. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid excessive use of firecrackers during public festivals and ceremonies.

Let’s Limit Noise Levels

During Ganeshotsav in 2023, the Environmental Science Department of Shivaji University, Kolhapur conducted noise measurement tests at 22 locations in Kolhapur city. It was observed that the noise levels exceeded the limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at all these locations in Kolhapur. It is important to maintain peaceful surroundings, especially near educational campuses, hospitals, and courts.

Let’s Limit the Noise Level

During Ganeshotsav 2023, the Department of Environmental Science at Shivaji University, Kolhapur, conducted noise measurements at 22 locations in Kolhapur city. The study revealed that noise levels exceeded the limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board at all locations. Even in typically quiet areas, such as those around educational campuses, hospitals, and courts, noise levels were significantly higher than normal.

In residential areas, noise levels should ideally be around 45 decibels at night. However, during the Anant Chaturdashi procession, noise levels in most parts of the city ranged from 76 to 78 decibels. Asawari Jadhav, Head of the Environment Department at Shivaji University, reported that noise levels as high as 102 decibels were recorded on the procession route at night, which is nearly double the permissible level. For the sake of public health, it is crucial to limit noise levels during festivals, ceremonies, and processions.

The Need for Environmentally Friendly Actions

The heavy pollution of water bodies during Ganeshotsav, along with the risks of flooding due to increased silt, and the air and noise pollution caused by fireworks and loudspeakers, pose significant health risks, especially to the elderly, pregnant women, and children. It is essential for people to consciously adopt environmentally friendly practices. Senior environmentalist Uday Gaikwad has emphasized that only by doing so can we ensure the survival of our environment.

Let’s Take Precautions for Good Health

Generally, humans can tolerate sounds up to 50 decibels for about half an hour. Prolonged exposure to higher noise levels can lead to headaches and severe discomfort. If exposed to loud noises for more than three minutes, a person’s heart rate can increase, and blood circulation can speed up, leading to high blood pressure. Such fluctuations in blood pressure can damage the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. Noise levels above 130 decibels can cause hearing loss, numbness, dizziness, loss of consciousness, brain hemorrhage, and even rupture of the eardrums, leading to permanent deafness. In extreme cases, heart palpitations or heart failure could result in permanent heart disease or a heart attack.

Dolby stereo sound systems at high volume levels, typically around 70 decibels, can be particularly dangerous. In enclosed spaces, such as halls with Dolby sound, the risk is even greater. In public places, noise levels above 70 decibels can be very harmful, especially in a quiet night environment. Noise levels above 60 decibels can be dangerous to children, pregnant mothers, senior citizens, heart patients, those who have suffered a stroke, and individuals with psychiatric conditions, potentially leading to serious health issues. Dr. Akshay Bafna, Head of the Cardiology Department at Chhatrapati Pramilaraje Sarveopchar Hospital (CPR), has warned that high noise levels can also pose risks to the developing organs of a baby in the womb, potentially affecting growth and leading to premature delivery.

Take Care of Your Ears and Eyes

Nowadays, the sound levels of Dolby stereo systems during festivals and ceremonies often exceed 90 to 100 decibels. This can cause perforation of the eardrum and damage to the bony chain within the ear or the inner ear canals, leading to temporary or permanent deafness. To prevent this, Dolby stereo volume should preferably be kept below 80 decibels, and people should avoid standing directly in front of speakers. Additionally, laser lights can pose a risk of vision loss. It is crucial to ensure that laser lights do not shine directly into the eyes, advises Dr. Ajit Lokre, Head of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department at Chhatrapati Pramilaraje Sarvopachar Hospital (CPR).

Let Us Prioritize Social Awareness through Ganesha Mandals

Ganeshotsav, Navratri, and other celebrations held in honor of great individuals should promote and spread their thoughts and works, as well as raise awareness of social issues. Thousands of citizens visit Ganesha mandals to witness the displays during Ganeshotsav. Many Ganesha Mandals in Kolhapur district are already promoting environmental protection by planting trees, banning plastic, maintaining cleanliness in public places, saving water, fostering social integration, and empowering women. They are also spreading awareness on issues such as laws protecting women and children, the abolition of widowhood customs, addiction relief, and the preservation of historical buildings and forts. Additionally, the use of traditional instruments like dhol tasha is encouraged. However, there is a need to increase the number of mandals that use traditional instruments and focus on social awareness through their performances. By emphasizing environmentally friendly elements in their displays, pollution can be further reduced.

Ganeshotsav is a festival of joy, auspiciousness, and celebration for all, from children to the elderly. In addition to showcasing traditional musical instruments, folk art, and adventurous games, let us focus on performances that promote social awareness. Let’s celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm, as a time of devotion, faith, intimacy, and care for our health, while ensuring it remains eco-friendly!