Metro India News | Hyderabad

Blending faith with environmental responsibility, rural innovator Srija, a B.Tech student from BVRIT-H and founder of Srija Green Galaxy Pvt. Ltd., is making waves with her eco-friendly products. From Lord Ganesha idols that dissolve harmlessly in water to biodegradable pots, teacups, and plates made from groundnut shells and agro-waste, her Gadwal-based startup is proving that sustainability can be rooted in tradition.

Currently producing around 100 biodegradable pots a day, the startup has expanded into crafting idols and other green products. At August Fest—Asia’s largest celebration of innovators—Srija’s idols sold out completely, catching the attention of environment-conscious buyers, including the Environment Protection Training & Research Institute (EPTRI).

Supported by the Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC), T-Works, and AGHUB, Srija received mentorship, idea validation, and a Rs 4 lakh grant to scale up production. Telangana’s IT & Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu personally purchased one of her idols, praising her initiative.

Highlighting the environmental urgency, Srija noted that of the 20 crore Ganesh idols made annually, only 1 crore are eco-friendly. The rest—made from Plaster of Paris—release harmful chemicals and metals upon immersion, polluting rivers and seas and harming aquatic life. Her clay-based idols, she stressed, dissolve naturally, leaving no toxic residue.