Pune Citizens Brave Heavy Rains To Immerse 95,000 Ganesh Idols; PMC Collects Over 1.5 Lakh Kg of Nirmalya

Pune, 24th September 2023: Despite heavy rains causing panic among citizens, the fifth day of Ganeshotsav saw a large turnout for the immersion of Ganesh idols. According to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), approximately 95,041 idols were immersed in various parts of the city on Saturday. Additionally, a significant amount of Nirmalya—ritual offerings—was collected, totaling around 1.5 lakh kg.

Weather Challenges

Many citizens had opted for immersion in tanks near their homes or in riverbeds by noon. However, heavy rains in the afternoon led to a momentary panic among the populace. Despite the inclement weather, some residents chose to proceed with the immersions. Once the rain subsided in the evening, a large number of citizens took to the ghats to complete the ritual.

Municipal Arrangements

The Municipal Corporation had made extensive arrangements for the immersions, including the construction of immersion ponds, iron tanks, and mobile tanks at various locations. Of the total 95,041 idols immersed, 17,662 were placed in built tanks, 59,300 in iron tanks, and 4,287 in mobile tanks.

Nirmalya Collection

Every year, the five-day Ganapati immersion results in the collection of a large amount of Nirmalya. This year was no exception, with about 1,19,972 kg collected on the fifth day alone. So far, the solid waste management department of the Municipal Corporation has collected a total of 1,35,112 kg of Nirmalya, which is processed to manufacture fertilizer.

Positive Response to Idol Collection Initiative

In a noteworthy trend, citizens are increasingly opting to donate idols rather than immerse them. The Municipal Corporation has made separate arrangements for this purpose at the ghats. On the fifth day, 13,792 idols were collected, bringing the total number of collected idols to 15,557 thus far.