Nashik civic body to provide 72 artificial ponds for immersions

Nashik: The civic body has decided to provide 72 artificial ponds and 57 collection centres for the immersion of idols during the Ganesh festival to avoid river pollution. Last year, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) had set up 65 artificial ponds to facilitate devotees during the immersion period. “We will create artificial ponds at various locations in all six divisions, where devotees may immerse their idols,” said an NMC official. Going the green way the last few years, the NMC has been collecting Ganesh idols from devotees after immersing them in artificial ponds to prevent river pollution. Last year, they had collected over 1.5 lakh idols from devotees who had donated them to the civic body at collection centres after their immersion at artificial ponds. “We have been seeing a change among people as they are now donating idols to the civic body instead of immersing them in the river. All idols are immersed with rituals by the civic body,” the official said.NMC commissioner Ashok Karanjkar appealed to people to buy eco-friendly Ganapati idols made of shadu clay. He also appealed to retailers not to sell PoP idols — Tushar Pawar

Artificial pond for immersion in Aarey, says BJP

The BJP plans to establish an artificial pond in Aarey Colony, Mumbai, after the High Court ordered a ban on Ganpati immersion in Aarey Talao due to its location in an eco-sensitive zone. The suburban guardian minister has requested an artificial pond, with funds from the district planning committee being utilized. The BJP claims that certain individuals are intentionally attempting to disrupt Ganpati celebrations.

HC tells BMC to arrange more artificial ponds for immersion

The Bombay High Court has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to provide artificial ponds for the safe immersion of Ganesh idols in Mumbai and its suburbs. This decision was made due to the refusal of the CEO of Aarey Milk Colony to allow immersions in three lakes within the eco-sensitive zone of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The court has also expanded the scope of the PIL to include other issues such as ESZ maintenance and sought replies from the authorities on the steps taken.

NMC favours eco-friendly Ganapati idols

The municipal commissioner of Nashik has urged residents to avoid polluting the Godavari river and its tributaries during the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival. He recommended using eco-friendly idols instead of Plaster of Paris ones. The commissioner also instructed officials to create artificial ponds for idol immersion and finalize natural immersion spots. The public works department will provide vehicles for collecting the idols. Last year, over 1.5 lakh Ganapati idols were collected, and this year there is an expected 20% increase.