Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided not to issue tenders for mobile immersion tanks during this year's Ganesh festival. This decision follows observations that the initiative, initially launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, was more beneficial to contractors than to the citizens of Pune.
The concept of mobile immersion tanks was introduced in 2021 to prevent large gatherings during the Ganesh idol immersion process, providing an alternative to traditional ghats and immersion spots.
Despite the relaxation of pandemic restrictions in subsequent years, the PMC continued the initiative, issuing tenders in 2022 and 2023. However, the effectiveness of these mobile tanks came into question, as many residents reported difficulties in accessing the service.
In 2023, despite a ₹1.5 crore tender for mobile tanks, only 59,126 of the total 561,428 Ganesh idols were immersed using these mobile facilities—a significant decline compared to previous years.
Consequently, the PMC has announced that no tenders will be issued for mobile immersion tanks in 2024. Instead, traditional iron tanks and immersion facilities will be provided at various ghats and regional offices across the city. Additionally, the corporation will establish centers for collecting donated idols.
Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management, Sandeep Kadam, stated, "There will be no tenders for mobile immersion tanks this year. Adequate arrangements will be made across the city for Ganesh idol immersions."
Immersion Done in Tanks:
2021: 32 per cent
2022: 13 per cent
2023: 10 per cent
2023 Immersion Trend
Immersions in constructed tanks: 99,921
Immersions in iron tanks: 291,560
Collected idols: 110,821
Immersions in mobile tanks: 59,126
Total: 561,428