Vijayawada’s 72-foot clay Ganesh idol set for dissolution on September 24

A 72-foot Ganesh idol in Vijayawada will be dissolved at the site where it was built on September 24, The Hindu reported. The idol was constructed at Sitara Grounds over 60 days by about 200 artisans from other States. It was made using clay, jute and coir and was described in the report as eco-friendly.

The dissolution is to take place on the final day of the utsavams. Fire tenders will wash away the idol at Sitara Grounds rather than transporting it elsewhere, according to the supplied material. The report does not provide the names of the artisans, the States they came from or the organisation responsible for commissioning the idol.

It also does not give details of the amount of material used or the arrangements for managing the dissolved remains. The account describes the planned dissolution but does not include comments from organisers, local officials or residents. No further information was supplied about the ceremonies surrounding the idol or the expected attendance.

The use of clay, jute and coir distinguishes the installation from an idol made with the materials associated with environmental concerns, although the report provides no further assessment of its environmental impact.