MANGALURU: This Ganesh Chaturthi festivities could mark the start of what National Environment Care Foundation (NECF) feels is a small step to increase the green cover in this coastal city. The initiative entails procuring a made-to-order clay idol of Lord Ganesha, with a sapling of devotee's choice encased within. NECF has also come forward to supply the saplings that devotees want if they are not able to source one of their choice on first-come-first-serve basis.Brainchild of NECF member Suresh S Shetty , idea of preserving sanctity of the idol worshipped with devotion, post immersion was borne out of a media campaign of how these idols posed an environmental hazard when disposed unscientifically. "We wanted to add green touch to the endeavour and decided to enclose the idol with a sapling of a tree species endemic to the area so that a new life form could grow from within the idol post immersion," he said. Shashidhar Shetty , secretary, NECF said to ensure that the immersion of idol is in sync with prescribed traditions, the federation has suggested that a pit of the size of the idol be dug and filled with water and idol immersed therein. Clay will dissolve in water and allow the sapling inside to grow, he said. People will also take extra care to ensure that such sapling is cared for well given its religious connotation of a tree having grown from within an idol, he added.Devotees interested in this endeavour may give a sapling of their choice to NECF office bearers who in turn will get the made-to-order idol readied for them. Given that the festival is round the corner, Shashidhar urged people to expedite their order. Confessing that NECF is not sure about the number of takers for this initiative, he however added that this will definitely give devotees a chance to look forward to the next Chaturthi festivities even as this sapling grows.Call: Vinayak (9448144877), idol maker on Car Street/Suresh N Shetty on 9448007108.

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