Nagpur: A total of 648 Goddess Durga idols were immersed at various artificial tanks in Nagpur between October 12 and 14. The immersion process was spread across three key locations — Sonegaon, Gandhi Sagar, and Koradi artificial tanks, said Nagpur Municipal Corporation in a statement.
The Koradi artificial tank saw the largest number of immersions, with 535 idols immersed over the three-day period. The busiest day was October 13, when 320 idols were immersed at this location alone. On the same day, the overall number of immersions across all sites peaked at 382.
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Sonegaon artificial tank accounted for 76 immersions, with the highest single-day count of 38 idols on October 13. Gandhi Sagar artificial tank recorded the fewest immersions, with a total of 37 idols over the three days, including just 6 on October 14.
In the last couple of years, the NMC successfully enforced a ban on immersion of idols in the city’s water bodies, and citizens have also extended support to save the lakes. NMC authorities, with the help of district administrations, set up these artificial tanks to promote eco-friendly practices, ensuring that the immersion process was smooth and well-managed throughout the three days.
Idol debris disposal issue under HC scrutiny:
Meanwhile, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the District Collector to file their replies regarding accusations of improper disposal of debris and waste from idols, lack of maintenance of artificial immersion tanks, and pollution during the festive season.
Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Vrushali Joshi issued these directives during the hearing on the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols on Wednesday. Amicus Curiae Adv. Shreerang Bhandarkar presented an affidavit addressing various environmental concerns, including the improper disposal of debris and waste from idols, inadequate maintenance of artificial immersion tanks, and pollution during the festive season.
He also highlighted several issues, noting that debris from idols and waste materials were found dumped in areas such as Surabardi, near a water body, and Ward No. 75 in Nagpur, where a pit had been dug for such disposal. Regarding the negligence in maintaining immersion tanks, he informed the court that the NMC had installed artificial tanks for idol immersion near Gandhi Sagar Lake; however, these tanks were poorly maintained, with waste carelessly discarded around them. On the issue of environmental pollution,
Adv. Bhandarkar cited photographs depicting the mismanagement, showcasing the detrimental effects of idol waste on the environment. Upon reviewing the affidavit, the court took cognizance of the argument and acknowledged the appalling state of affairs regarding the environmental harm caused. As a result, the court directed the authorities to submit their replies within two weeks regarding the issues raised and to address the environmental concerns effectively.
