New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS): Raising concerns over the environment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to avoid using Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris (POP) during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

Modi suggested that instead of POP idols, which after immersion cause damage to the aquatic life and environment, people should use eco-friendly idols made of clay.

"Festival is the time of self evaluation and they need to change with time. Environment is damaged due to immersion of POP idols. Lets go back to old traditions and adopt idols made of pond clay," Modi said in his "Mann ki Baat" radio address.

He said the same should be applied for Durga idols.

"Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner but there is some time for Durga Puja. We shall start preparing ourselves from now," Modi said.

Excessive damage is caused to the environment due to immersion of idols made of POP and chemicals.

Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on September 5.