District Collector S. Durgamoorthi issued guidelines that should be followed on Vinayaka idol installation and immersion during the Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations.
In a release, the Collector said the organisers must apply for a no-objection certificate in advance from the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) concerned to install the Vinayaka idol. When planning to take the Vinayaka idol in a procession for immersion, it is necessary to identify places along the procession route in advance that will not disturb people of other religions. Idols made of clay/unbaked and free from any chemical additives and made from environmentally friendly raw materials such as tapioca starch and solid waste from the rice mill should be used for worship.
The use of polluting chemicals such as plaster of paris, which has been banned by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board, should be avoided. Those who install idols should erect temporary structures using fireproof materials, the Collector added.
The organisers of the idols should ensure adequate first aid and emergency medical facilities, the Collector said and added that only non-flammable materials should be kept around the area where the idol was located. The height of the idol should not be raised above 10 feet. Avoid erecting idols near religious places, hospitals, and educational institutions. Loudspeakers should be used only for two hours each during morning and evening worship times.
The organisers must ensure that they did not allow any illegal activities during the installation of idols. The function should not include advertisements related to any religious leader or political party. An idol protection committee should be formed and the committee should have at least two persons to monitor the idol round the clock. Generators should be used in case of power outages. Acts such as chanting slogans, hating, or denigrating people of other religions are not permitted. Idols should be immersed only in the places identified and specified by the officials.
In Namakkal district, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has granted permission only in the river basins at four places: Komarapalayam, Pallipalayam, Mohanur, and Paramathi Velur. Steps should be taken to dissolve the idols within five days of the installation. Vehicles such as mini lorries and tractors, should be used to transport the idols, Ms. Durgamoorthi added.
Ends.
Published – August 21, 2025 05:33 pm IST
