Pune, 19th August 2023: As the Ganeshotsav festival approaches, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is gearing up to ensure a seamless and environmentally conscious celebration. Just like the various Mandals that are fervently preparing for the festivities, PMC is taking its own initiatives to make the event memorable and sustainable.
In line with the spirit of the festival, PMC is focusing on creating appropriate Visarjan Ghats and providing necessary facilities to Ganesha Mandals. The Solid Waste Management Department has issued directives to all zonal offices of the city, mandating the submission of information regarding availability of cisterns, collection of Nirmalya (ritual offerings), and establishment of donation centers for idol immersion.
This year, due to the absence of mobile wells and the prohibition on immersing idols in natural water bodies, PMC is setting up around 455 artificial immersion wells across different areas of the city. This initiative aims to facilitate the immersion of idols in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.
Previously, the Pollution Control Board had imposed a ban on the production of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols due to environmental concerns. However, this ban was recently discussed in a legislative session and subsequently lifted.
In previous years, the Municipal Corporation used to procure Ammonium Bicarbonate powder to dissolve POP idols in water. However, with the ban on POP idol production, this practice was stopped. The decision to lift the ban is still under consideration in legislative discussions. As a result, the use of Ammonium Bicarbonate powder is expected to increase due to the potential rise in the number of POP idols for immersion. To prevent pollution of rivers, canals, wells, and other water sources, PMC is taking precautions to ensure that these idols are immersed in an environmentally responsible manner.
Ward offices have been instructed to increase the number of idol collection centers and artificial immersion tanks. The Solid Waste Management Department has gathered information from all ward offices, and based on the available data, approximately 455 artificial immersion wells can be set up. Officials also note that this number can be adjusted based on the specific requirements of the situation.
