Pune: As the Ganesh Festival approaches, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has finalized its extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and eco-friendly celebration for the citizens.

The PMC has laid out a detailed plan to provide adequate facilities for devotees, focusing on cleanliness, public restrooms, and the efficient management of Ganesh idol immersion.

To facilitate the immersion process, the corporation has constructed 42 dedicated immersion tanks across the city, distributed under 15 ward offices.

Additionally, 568 iron tanks have been strategically placed at 265 locations to accommodate the large number of idols expected to be immersed during the festival.

This initiative aims to prevent pollution of natural water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, by encouraging citizens to use these artificial ponds.

The PMC has also implemented comprehensive measures to maintain public cleanliness during the festival. Ward offices have been tasked with ensuring that public spaces, roads, open areas, riverbanks, ghats, and the surroundings of Ganesh mandals are kept clean and orderly. Special attention has been given to the areas around the immersion sites, where cleanliness and waste management are crucial.

To further promote eco-friendly practices, the PMC is encouraging citizens to donate their Ganesh idols instead of immersing them in natural water sources.

The collected idols, especially those made of natural clay (Shadu), will be reused after the festival. To facilitate this, 256 Nirmalya Kalash-containers have been placed at various points to collect the flowers and other offerings made to the idols.

The initiative also includes a partnership between the PMC, Ecoexist, Swachh Pune Service Cooperative Society, and several NGOs, who will work together to collect and recycle the clay from the immersed idols. This recycled clay will be used for various purposes, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

Deputy Commissioner of the Solid Waste Management Department, Sandeep Kadam, emphasized the importance of using clay idols, as their materials can be effectively reused after immersion. He also directed citizens to www.punaravartan.org for detailed information on this eco-friendly initiative.