As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, artisans work around the clock—but the persistent demand for POP idols continues to stir environmental concerns.
With less than a month to go before Ganesh Chaturthi kicks off on Monday, September 14th, the historic neighborhood of Dhoolpet in Hyderabad has transformed into a bustling hub of creativity and chaos. Artisans are putting in grueling hours to ensure that thousands of idols are ready for devotees before the festivities begin.
From the quiet corners of the workshops to the main thoroughfares, Ganesh idols in various stages of completion line the streets, setting the stage for the grand celebrations that will culminate with Visarjan on Friday, September 25th.
The Scale and Cost of Devotion
The craftsmanship on display in Dhoolpet caters to every kind of celebration, from intimate home pujas to massive public pandals.
- Variety of Sizes: Creations range from modest 1-foot figures to towering structures exceeding 30 feet in height.
- Flexible Pricing: A small, basic idol can be purchased for as little as Rs 100, while massive, custom-built centerpieces can command prices upwards of Rs 2 lakh, depending on the customer’s specific requirements.
The Plaster of Paris (POP) Dilemma
Despite growing environmental awareness campaigns across the city, consumer preference remains stubbornly tied to older methods. Artisans report that Plaster of Paris (POP) idols continue to completely dominate market demand. Eco-friendly clay idols are largely being produced only when customers specifically request them.
“Clay idols are being produced only when customers specifically request them, highlighting a stark contrast between eco-friendly campaigns and ground-level consumer demand.”
A Clash Between Celebration and Conservation
The tension between the city’s cultural fervor and environmental conservation is a long-standing issue in Telangana. Over the past few years, authorities have taken several steps to mitigate lake pollution:
- Strict Court Rulings: In 2021, and reiterated in 2024, the Telangana High Court explicitly prohibited the immersion of POP idols in Hussain Sagar and other natural lakes, ordering the use of artificial ponds.
- Civic Action: In 2025, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) established 74 designated immersion points, including artificial ponds, to intercept the pollution.
However, despite these governmental efforts and continuous red flags raised by environmental activists, POP idols remain the predominant choice. Sadly, many of these non-biodegradable idols still inevitably find their way into natural water bodies.
As Dhoolpet races to meet the towering demands of this year’s festival, Hyderabad is once again left balancing its deep-rooted traditions with the urgent need to protect its lakes.
