Post-Visarjan floral waste chokes rivers

Despite the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) installing Nirmalya Kalash at immersion sites to curb pollution, devotees were seen throwing flowers and garlands directly into rivers and lakes during Ganesh visarjan, angering residents and environmental activists.

- Indu Bhagat

According to PMC data, 8,76,381kg of flower offerings were collected during the festival, of which 6,19,662kg were gathered on the tenth day alone, reflecting the massive volume of floral waste.

PMC said 38 constructed tanks, 648 iron tanks at 281 locations and 241 idol collection centres were set up for immersion, along with 328 Nirmalya Kalash. For eco-friendly initiatives, 46 collection centres were established for idols made from Shadu clay at ward office locations.

However, residents complained that garbage continued to be dumped directly into water bodies.