Times Green Ganesha's Fourth edition is back with new fervor

The Times of India announced the launch of fourth edition of Times Green Ganesha (TGG), which promotes celebration of Ganeshotsav in an eco friendly manner. Times Green Ganesha is bigger this year with more individuals, societies and Ganesha Mandals participating as the awareness about environment issues is gaining traction with today's youth. TGG is an initiative by The Times of India along with Ministry of Environment, Maharashtra to urge people to be conscious of the environment during the festive season so as to have the minimal impact on our eco system. TGG aspires to be a movement giving education and spreading awareness about the benefits of celebrating an eco friendly Ganesha. Sankpal Group is the presenting sponsor for this awards and RCF is co-sponsor. This initiative is powered by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.

Sanjay Deotale, Hon'ble Cabinet Minister for Environment, Government of Maharashtra stated, "We are glad to be associated with Times Green Ganesha. Over the last four years, this initiative has been growing from strength to strength and we received incredible response from people of Mumbai and Pune. With citizen becoming more environment conscious, we are confident to get overwhelming response this year."

Hasleen Kaur, Miss India Earth 2011 along with Envirovigil an NGO conducted a workshop at the "Umang' festival organized by the students of Narsee Monjee College as a part of launch of the Times Green Ganesha campaign. The students were made aware of hazardous impact of plaster on Paris on the environment.

Suhas Sankpal, Chairman, Sankpal Group stated, "Times Green Ganesha matches with the philosophy of Sankpal Group which believes in creating greener habitat. Being an ardent Ganesha devotee, I am very excited to be a part of this social initiative to spread environment friendly message."

Times Green Ganesha has already started educating people through workshops, demonstrations and seminars. Over next 10 days, more such initiatives in association with partner NGOs Envirovigil and Prerna will be conducted across the city. Several workshops on making eco-friendly idols and decoration are conducted in schools, colleges and organizations.

Sachin Ahir, Hon'ble State Minister Environment, Govt. of Maharashtra stated, "Ganeshotsav is a celebration of one and all. People from different walks of life celebrate the festival by coming together. While celebrating the festival we should ensure that we are not damaging the environment in any manner."

Times Green Ganesha reaches out to households, societies and green mandals and encourage them to participate in the award contest. One can participate in the contest by logging on to website www.timesgreenganesha.com and uploading images of their eco friendly Ganapati.

Times Green Ganesha Awards is a platform to recognize and reward eco friendly measures undertaken by Individual households, Societies and Ganesh Mandals. This initiative is not just about workshops and awards but Times Green Ganesha also conducts a beach clean up drive in various locations in Mumbai. Brihan Mumbai Sarvajanik Samanway Samiti, an entity representing 12,000 Ganesh Mandals in the city is working closely with Times Green Ganesha.