Nagpur, India: As the Ganesh festival approaches, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has prepared for the immersion of Ganesh idols, starting from September 7. The city will see a range of facilities aimed at ensuring a smooth and eco-friendly celebration.

Under the direction of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhary and Additional Commissioner Mrs. Aanchal Goyal, NMC has established 419 artificial immersion pits across the city. These pits are part of the city's efforts to maintain clean water sources and manage the immersion process effectively.

The NMC is focused on promoting an environmentally friendly Ganesh festival. For the immersion of household Ganesh idols, artificial tanks have been set up in various wards. Notable locations include Kacchi Visa Oswal Bhavan, Gandhi Sagar Lake, and Sonegaon Lake, where large tanks have been constructed. For public Ganesh mandals, immersion tanks are available in Koradi.

Dr. Chaudhary has encouraged citizens to use clay idols and make use of artificial tanks for immersion to support environmental conservation. This year, the High Court has mandated that public Ganesh mandals use only clay idols, banning the use of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols.

The city's waste management department has arranged 419 immersion tanks for the convenience of devotees. Additionally, there will be 331 temporary tanks, 31 rubber tanks, 32 pits, 3 concrete tanks, and 22 mobile tanks. For immersions lasting one to one and a half days, 30 artificial tanks have been set up across seven zones, including Lakshmi Nagar, Dharampeth, Hanuman Nagar, and Mangalwari.

For three-day Ganesh idols, tanks are arranged at 3 locations in Lakshmi Nagar, 16 in Dharampeth, 8 in Hanuman Nagar, 1 in Dhantoli, 1 in Mangalwari, and 2 each in Nehru Nagar and Sataranjipura. For five-day idols, 64 tanks will be available, and on the seventh day, 92 tanks will be provided. On Anant Chaturdashi, the tenth day of the festival, 419 tanks will be ready for immersion.

Dr. Chaudhary has emphasized the need for respectful disposal of idols and the proper management of the water used in the artificial tanks. He has also directed that arrangements be made for collecting flowers and maintaining cleanliness at the immersion sites.