Pimpri-Chinchwad: Ganesh Idol Collection Drive Gains Momentum; 3,334 Idols Gathered Across PCMC
Pimpri, 29th August 2025: This year’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Pimpri-Chinchwad are taking a greener turn, with thousands of devotees extending strong support to the Ganesh Idol Collection Drive organized by the Environmental Engineering Department of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
By noon on Friday, officials confirmed that 3,334 idols had been collected across the city’s eight zones. Of these, 670 were eco-friendly clay idols, while the remaining 2,664 were made of Plaster of Paris (POP).
Strict Monitoring and Records
PCMC has set up dedicated collection centres where every idol is carefully registered based on its material before immersion. Civic Chief Shekhar Singh has directed officials to ensure transparency and proper disposal. Additional Commissioner Vijaykumar Khorate, Chief Engineer Sanjay Kulkarni, and zonal officers are personally supervising the drive.
‘Punaraavartan’ Campaign for Reuse
In a unique move, PCMC has also launched the ‘Punaraavartan’ (Reuse) Campaign in collaboration with the Eco Exist Foundation. Clay retrieved from immersed idols will be recycled and handed back to artisans, enabling them to craft new idols—promoting both sustainability and cultural continuity.
Authorities have urged residents to use the official centres rather than immersing idols in rivers, lakes, or other natural water bodies. Officials emphasized that collective efforts like these are crucial in ensuring that Ganesh Chaturthi remains clean, green, and eco-friendly, while preserving the sanctity of the festival.
