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Over 8 lakh Ganesh idols collected in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad

The Ganesh idols immersed in steel tanks increased to 3,62,319 this year as against 2,82, 604 in 2024. The idols immersed in artificial concrete tanks were 1,13,136 as compared to 1,01, 281 last year.

The procession of the famous Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesh Mandal began at 3.45pm on Saturday and concluded at 9.23 pm at Panchaleshwar Ghat the same day (Express Photo)

Following the Bombay High Court directive restricting immersion of Ganesh idols in natural water bodies, a total of 6,54,410 idols, which is over 90,000 more than last year, were immersed in the civic facilities or artificial ponds this year. Last year, a total of 5,59,952 idols were immersed in the artificial ponds.

According to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 1,78,955 Ganesh idols were collected at the centers set up for citizens to donate the idol so that they are not immersed in rivers and the material is reused. However, the donation of Ganesh idols increased minimally compared to that of total collected 1,76,067 last year while the collection was 1,10,821 in 2023.

The Ganesh idols immersed in steel tanks increased to 3,62,319 this year as against 2,82, 604 in 2024. The idols immersed in artificial concrete tanks were 1,13,136 as compared to 1,01, 281 last year.

The PMC also informed that 923398 kg of floral waste was collected during the 11 day Ganesh festival this year as against 706478 kg last year.

According to PCMC officials, as many as 1,62,636 idols were collected at the 8 centres set up on river ghats by the civic administration. The highest number of 39,993 idols were collected under the ‘B divisional office of the civic body.

”Not a single idol was immersed in the three rivers passing through the city. Of the total idols collected, 29,591 were environmentally friendly and 1,33,041 from Plaster of Paris,” officials said.

The Bombay HC had directed mandatory immersion of Ganesh idols up to six feet in artificial ponds to avoid pollution of natural water bodies so the civic bodies encouraged citizens to donate their Ganesh idols at its 241 collection centres across the city.

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“PMC increased the number of installations of artificial tanks, mainly steel tanks, across the city. There were 648 steel tanks at 281 locations and concrete tanks at 38 locations in the city for citizens to immerse Ganesh idols,” said Sandeep Kadam, incharge of civic solid waste management department.

The PMC after collecting all Ganesh idols immersed in artificial tanks re-immersed them in a quarry in Wagholi.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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