Nagpur, India: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is preparing to ensure that this year’s Ganesh festival is celebrated in an eco-friendly manner across the city. Commissioner and Administrator Dr Abhijit Choudhary reviewed the preparations with municipal officers on Wednesday, August 28.

With Lord Ganesha's arrival scheduled for September 7, Dr Choudhary has directed all departments to be prepared for the celebration in an environmental friendly way. The meeting, held in the Commissioner’s conference room at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Administrative Building, was attended by key officials, including Additional Commissioners Mrs. Anchal Goyal and Mr. Ajay Mrrtankar, Deputy Commissioners Dr. Ranjana Lade and Mr. Prakash Varade, Superintendent Engineer Mr. Manoj Talewar, Medical Health Officer Dr. Deepak Selokar, Fire Officer Mr. B.P. Chandanakhede, and other senior officers.

During the meeting, Dr. Choudhary emphasized the need for meticulous planning at the zonal level. He instructed officials to ensure all preparations are in place, including coordination with the police for the online permission system and one-window clearance center for festival committees.

The Commissioner also called for the establishment of help desks at each zone, proper staffing at immersion centers, and the setup of artificial tanks for Ganesh idol immersion. Other directives included ensuring adequate lighting, installing CCTV cameras, providing drinking water facilities for devotees, maintaining cleanliness along immersion routes and sites, and arranging mobile toilets at major immersion locations.

Additionally, Dr. Choudhary stressed the importance of setting up Ganesh idol acceptance centers in each zone and arranging designated spaces for traditional idol makers to sell their eco-friendly idols.

The NMC’s preparations aim to facilitate a smooth and environmentally conscious Ganesh festival celebration throughout Nagpur, ensuring that traditions are upheld while minimizing the impact on the environment.