Visakhapatnam witnessed large-scale Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations on September 14, with numerous elaborate Ganesh idols installed across the city.
PoP idols were widely used for both public pandals and celebrations.
The celebrations featured several distinctive installations, including idols decorated with large quantities of bangles and Rudraksha beads, as well as themed pandals.
Following the celebrations, PoP idols were reported washed ashore at Lawson’s Bay Beach.
The Hindu reported that government agencies and NGOs face the task of clearing debris and garbage from city beaches after the festivities.
Environmentalists have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of PoP idols and associated materials on coastal and marine environments.
GVMC had earlier urged organisers to prefer natural clay idols and avoid PoP, while also directing them to follow safety and waste-management guidelines.