Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 26th September 2026: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) facilitated the immersion of approximately 1.41 lakh Ganesh idols at 63 artificial immersion tanks during Ganeshotsav 2026, as part of its efforts to promote environmentally friendly celebrations.
Of the total idols immersed, 33,086 were eco-friendly idols made of shadu mati (natural clay), according to data provided by the civic administration. The civic body also collected 67,779.45 kg, or approximately 67.78 metric tonnes, of nirmalya (flowers, garlands and other ritual offerings) during the festival.
The PCMC introduced various measures to encourage environmentally responsible celebrations, including artificial immersion tanks, separate nirmalya collection and initiatives to promote the reuse of clay recovered from Ganesh idols.
J Ward Records Highest Number of Idol Immersions
According to ward-wise figures released by the civic administration, the J Ward Office recorded the highest number of idol immersions at 26,523, followed by the B Ward Office with 20,523.
The figures for the 10 ward offices were as follows:
J Ward Office: 26,523
B Ward Office: 20,523
E Ward Office: 15,420
A Ward Office: 12,780
C Ward Office: 12,372
L Ward Office: 12,116
H Ward Office: 12,096
D Ward Office: 12,080
G Ward Office: 10,028
F Ward Office: 7,308
The PCMC had established 63 artificial immersion tanks to provide devotees with alternatives to immersing idols directly in rivers, lakes, streams and other natural water bodies.
Over 67 Tonnes of Nirmalya Collected
The civic body collected 67,779.45 kg of nirmalya during the festival, according to its daily records.
Flowers, garlands and other religious offerings were collected separately for appropriate processing and disposal. The initiative aimed to prevent ritual waste from entering natural water bodies and contributing to water pollution.
PCMC Promotes Reuse of Shadu Mati
As part of its environmental conservation efforts, the PCMC also encouraged the recycling and reuse of shadu mati recovered after idol immersion.
According to the available data, 1,771 kg of shadu mati was collected, while 11,489 kg of clay was made available to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for reuse.
The initiative sought to encourage the reuse of natural clay through public participation and collaboration with voluntary organisations, reducing waste generated after the festival.
The civic administration implemented various facilities and awareness initiatives to encourage residents to celebrate Ganeshotsav in a more environmentally sustainable manner. The measures included promoting eco-friendly idols, using artificial immersion tanks, collecting nirmalya separately and reusing shadu mati.
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