dal (putani) or aval can be used. Environmental impact The Madras High Court ruled in 2004 that immersion of Ganesh idols is unlawful because it incorporates chemicals that pollute the sea water. In Goa the sale of plaster-of-Paris Ganesha idols has been banned by the state government and celebrants are encouraged to buy traditional, artisan-made clay idols. Recent initiatives to produce traditional clay Ganesh idols in Hyderabad have been sponsored by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board. Environmental concern is also making people in Gujarat to opt for Ganesh Idols made with a mixture of cow dung and clay. These are marketed as "Vedic Ganesh idols" by the organization making them. Due to environmental concerns, a number of families now avoid bodies of water and let the clay statue disintegrate in a barrel of water at home. After a few days, the clay is spread in the garden. In some cities a public, eco-friendly process is used for the immersion. Gallery See also Cultural depictions of elephants 1994 plague in India Notes References Bibliography Alternate Link External links Hindu festivals Religious festivals in India Ganesha August observances September observances Festivals in Maharashtra Festivals in Telangana Articles containing video clips Hindu festivals in India Hindu festivals in Nepal Hindu holy days