Sunday, 13 September 2026 MUMBAI EDITION LIVE

Yerawada Prison Inmates Craft 200 Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols

Inmates at Yerawada Central Jail create eco-friendly Ganesh idols, selling 190 so far.

Mumbai Alert · City Desk
Mumbai Alert · City Desk
City Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Sun, 13 September 2026 at 05:28 pm
Yerawada Prison Inmates Craft 200 Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols

Inmates at Yerawada Central Jail in Pune have been engaging in a unique skill-development activity, crafting approximately 200 eco-friendly Ganesh idols using natural clay. The initiative, which began with training in January, has resulted in the sale of nearly 190 idols through two stalls set up at Yerawada and Swargate.

According to prison supervisor Kundalik Khalokar, the training involved 15 prisoners and two supervisors, with three inmates demonstrating exceptional skills and taking on leading roles in the team. The idols, made from shaadu maati, a natural clay, offer an alternative to those made from materials like Plaster of Paris, which can harm the environment during immersion.

The idols are available in different sizes and designs, with prices ranging from ₹600 to ₹3,000, depending on the size, detailing, and work involved. The smallest idols are priced at around ₹600 to ₹700, while the larger and more elaborate ones are available for around ₹3,000 to ₹4,000.

The initiative is part of the prison's rehabilitation activities, aiming to provide inmates with a creative outlet and contribute to the local community. The sales proceeds will cover the cost of materials and inmate labour, with the remaining amount going towards the prison's welfare fund.

The Yerawada Central Jail has been actively engaged in various skill-development and rehabilitation programs, including vocational training and education. This initiative has not only provided inmates with a creative outlet but also helped them develop a sense of purpose and responsibility.

The eco-friendly Ganesh idols have been well-received by the public, with many citizens appreciating the unique opportunity to support the work of prisoners while also contributing to a more environmentally friendly celebration of Ganeshotsav.

As the festival season approaches, the initiative has gained significant attention, with many people visiting the stalls to purchase the idols. The success of the initiative has also highlighted the potential for similar programs to be implemented in other prisons, providing inmates with opportunities for skill development and rehabilitation.

The prison authorities have expressed their satisfaction with the response to the initiative, stating that it has not only helped the inmates but also contributed to the local community. The initiative has also raised awareness about the importance of eco-friendly celebrations and the need to reduce environmental pollution.

In conclusion, the Yerawada Central Jail's initiative to craft eco-friendly Ganesh idols has been a significant success, providing inmates with a creative outlet and contributing to the local community. The initiative has also highlighted the potential for similar programs to be implemented in other prisons, promoting skill development and rehabilitation among inmates.

The success of the initiative is a testament to the power of creativity and rehabilitation, and it is hoped that it will inspire similar initiatives in the future. As the festival season continues, the eco-friendly Ganesh idols crafted by the inmates of Yerawada Central Jail will serve as a reminder of the importance of environmental sustainability and the potential for rehabilitation and skill development among inmates.

The initiative has also demonstrated the potential for prisons to engage in community-oriented activities, promoting a sense of social responsibility and environmental awareness. As the initiative continues to gain attention, it is hoped that it will inspire other prisons to implement similar programs, promoting rehabilitation and skill development among inmates.

In the end, the Yerawada Central Jail's initiative to craft eco-friendly Ganesh idols has been a resounding success, providing a unique opportunity for inmates to engage in creative activities while contributing to the local community. The initiative has also raised awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability and the need to reduce pollution during festivals.

The prison authorities have stated that they will continue to support the initiative, providing inmates with opportunities for skill development and rehabilitation. The success of the initiative has also highlighted the potential for similar programs to be implemented in other prisons, promoting a sense of social responsibility and environmental awareness.

The initiative has been a significant step towards promoting environmental sustainability and reducing pollution during festivals. The eco-friendly Ganesh idols crafted by the inmates of Yerawada Central Jail will serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices.

In conclusion, the Yerawada Central Jail's initiative to craft eco-friendly Ganesh idols has been a groundbreaking success, providing inmates with a creative outlet and contributing to the local community. The initiative has also raised awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability and the need to reduce pollution during festivals.

The success of the initiative is a testament to the power of creativity and rehabilitation, and it is hoped that it will inspire similar initiatives in the future. As the festival season continues, the eco-friendly Ganesh idols crafted by the inmates of Yerawada Central Jail will serve as a reminder of the importance of environmental sustainability and the potential for rehabilitation and skill development among inmates.

The initiative has demonstrated the potential for prisons to engage in community-oriented activities, promoting a sense of social responsibility and environmental awareness. As the initiative continues to gain attention, it is hoped that it will inspire other prisons to implement similar programs, promoting rehabilitation and skill development among inmates.

The Yerawada Central Jail's initiative to craft eco-friendly Ganesh idols has been a significant success, providing a unique opportunity for inmates to engage in creative activities while contributing to the local community. The initiative has also raised awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability and the need to reduce pollution during festivals.

The prison authorities have stated that they will continue to support the initiative, providing inmates with opportunities for skill development and rehabilitation. The success of the initiative has also highlighted the potential for similar programs to be implemented in other prisons, promoting a sense of social responsibility and environmental awareness.

The initiative has been a significant step towards promoting environmental sustainability and reducing pollution during festivals. The eco-friendly Ganesh idols crafted by the inmates of Yerawada Central Jail will serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices.

In the end, the Yerawada Central Jail's initiative to craft eco-friendly Ganesh idols has been a resounding success, providing a unique opportunity for inmates to engage in creative activities while contributing to the local community. The initiative has also raised awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability and the need to reduce pollution during festivals.

What it means for Mumbai and India is that such initiatives can be replicated in other prisons, providing inmates with opportunities for skill development and rehabilitation, while also promoting environmental sustainability and reducing pollution during festivals.

Frequently asked questions

What material are the eco-friendly Ganesh idols made of?

The idols are made from shaadu maati, a natural clay.

How many idols have been sold so far?

Nearly 190 idols have been sold through two stalls set up at Yerawada and Swargate.

yerawada prisoneco-friendly ganesh idolspuneganeshotsav
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