Nagpur: In a bid to prevent water pollution during the upcoming Ganesh festival, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has announced plans to install 419 artificial tanks across the city for the immersion of Ganesh idols. The civic body has also imposed a complete ban on idol immersions in natural water bodies, continuing a practice initiated over the past 2-3 years to protect the city’s lakes.
During a review meeting held at NMC’s head office, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator, Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari, urged citizens to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner and to maintain cleanliness throughout the celebrations. He also encouraged the use of clay idols and their immersion in artificial tanks.
The NMC has designated three large artificial tanks at Kachhi Visa Oswal Bhavan, Gandhi Sagar Lake premises, and Sonegaon Lake premises for idols up to 4 feet in height. For larger idols exceeding 4 feet, a special artificial tank has been set up in Koradi.
In compliance with the High Court's directives, NMC is distributing undertaking forms to all Ganesh Mandals, ensuring no use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols during the celebrations.
The 419 tanks will include 331 centring tanks, 31 rubber tanks, 32 pit-based tanks, 3 concrete tanks, and 22 mobile tanks. These will be distributed across all zones of the NMC, with dedicated staff appointed to assist devotees during the immersion process. NMC employees will also ensure cleanliness at the tank sites.
For the 1.5-day immersion, 30 artificial tanks will be available in seven zones: Laxmi Nagar Zone will have two tanks, Dharampeth Zone will have seven, Hanuman Nagar and Satranjipura Zones will each have two, and Dhantoli, Nehru Nagar, and Mangalwari Zones will each have one. All 419 tanks will be operational until Ananta Chaturdashi.
Additionally, Dr. Chaudhari instructed officials to reuse water from the artificial tanks after immersion and clean clay idols in a dedicated area to further reduce environmental impact.
This initiative is part of NMC’s ongoing efforts to ensure a cleaner and greener celebration of the Ganesh festival in Nagpur.
