Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation stores over 10,000 Ganesh idols for ‘scientific management’ for three Months

Navi Mumbai – The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has stored more than 10,000 Ganesh idols at a designated location for the past three months. The idols will be processed as per the directives of the Pollution Control Board and in accordance with Court guidelines, stated NMMC Deputy Commissioner Somnath Potare.

Potare informed that, based on instructions issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, proposals have been invited from various social organisations for the scientific handling of the idols. After evaluation of these proposals, the administration will take a final decision. Tenders will be issued for the same and the selected organisation will carry out the idol management process, he added.

Background –

1. During the hearing of a petition related to environmental concerns, the Bombay High Court had directed the government to lay down appropriate procedures for the immersion of Ganesh idols and the subsequent post-immersion process. Following this directive, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board issued specific guidelines, and the State government enacted an ordinance in this regard.

2. In compliance with these directives, NMMC had appealed to citizens to immerse Ganesh idols in artificial ponds instead of natural water bodies to prevent environmental damage. Thousands of such idols collected from artificial immersion sites have now been stored by the Corporation.

3. Social activist Nilesh Kachare has also submitted a request to NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, seeking that the idols be handled as per traditional religious norms.

The NMMC has maintained that it will ensure the “scientific disintegration” and “scientific disposal” of the Ganesh idols in accordance with prescribed procedures. (The words, ‘disintegration’ and ‘disposal’ denote complete disregard  for  Shri Ganesh idols. While using the word ‘scientific’ is nothing but deception to mislead devotees. They have also not clarified what exactly is going to be done as ‘scientific management’.- Editor)

It is also reported that CCTV surveillance and security guards have been deployed to ensure the safe custody of the stored idols. (Unnecessary expenditure for so many months on CCTV cameras and security guards; instead, they should have allowed immersion as per the religious norms. Environmentalists have already given a report that POP does not pollute water sources. – Editor.)