Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) had initiated a notable eco-friendly effort by installing artificial tanks across Nagpur for the immersion of Ganesh idols, aiming to prevent pollution in natural water bodies. This initiative was a first for any municipal corporation in Maharashtra, and Nagpur became the only city in India to completely ban the immersion of idols in its lakes and rivers. The arrangement was meant to provide a convenient, eco-conscious option for devotees celebrating Ganeshotsav.
However, the ground reality has been disappointing for many citizens. Several artificial tanks, meant for the safe immersion of idols, have been mysteriously removed from their designated spots, leaving devotees in a difficult position. In Maharashtra, it is customary for families to immerse Ganesh idols after varied periods– ranging from one day to ten days– depending on their tradition. Unfortunately, during this year’s Ganeshotsav, many families faced unnecessary challenges when it came time to bid a heartfelt farewell to Lord Ganesh.
Today’s Rate
Tuesday 05 Nov. 2024
After the initial days of the festival, artificial immersion tanks, which were placed in prominent locations near water bodies, began disappearing without explanation. Devotees who arrived at the sites to immerse their idols were shocked to find that the tanks had either been removed or were not maintained properly, causing confusion and inconvenience.
One frustrated resident of Subhash Nagar shared, “According to the NMC app, there were seven locations in our area where the artificial immersion tanks were supposed to be installed. However, when some of my friends visited these locations two days ago, they found the tanks empty, with no water in them. We expected NMC officials to ensure these tanks were filled, but nothing was done.”
The sudden removal or lack of proper maintenance of the tanks has led to widespread criticism of the civic body’s poor planning and mismanagement. Many devotees were left stranded, with no option but to transport their idols to distant locations or make alternate, less convenient arrangements for immersion. For a festival so steeped in tradition and emotion, the lack of proper infrastructure has dampened the spirits of many.
According to a social worker, in the Bhagwan Nagar area, no immersion tank was installed since the first day of the Ganesh Utsav. “It is learnt that the civic body is taking some steps to install the tanks for immersion of Lord Ganesh idols on the last day of the festival. But the authority failed to make such an arrangement for those installing Ganesh idols for a shorter period,” he pointed out.
According to Dr Gajendra Mahalle, Deputy Commissioner, Solid Waste Management Department, the NMC did install tanks at some areas in the city on day one of the ‘Visarjan’ but it noticed that some idol sellers dumped the damaged and unsold idols of the deity in the empty artificial tanks. Therefore, the civic body removed the tanks and decided to install them from the fifth day of the ‘Visarjan.”
Dr Mahalle also said, “For smooth conduct of the immersion process, we made available concrete artificial tanks at Sonegaon and Gandhi Sagar lakes from day one itself. We deployed civic staff to assist citizens during immersion. Similarly, NMC also installed tanks near all other water bodies of the city.”
The incident of the missing tank is not one or two places. In Nagpur, at most places the tanks were missing. Secondly, NMC should have informed the public about the alternate arrangement done near the water bodies, if they are at all doing so, a devotee pointed out.
