Pathways for Ganesha Idol Immersion Process …
29
4 Challenges Faced by Civic Bodies at the Time
of Immersion and After the Immersion of Ganesha Idol
During the Ganesha festival, 300–400 tons of waste are generated per day than regular
days. It is a huge task for BBMP to segregate and dispose. And also it leads to several
environmental problems. Plaster of Paris (POP) used to make Ganesha idol leads to
metal sludge.
Decorative items used to decorate the idols dissolve in water and contribute to
suspended particulate matters and metals like chromium, zinc, mercury and arsenic.
These materials damage the aquatic animals and other water species in danger.
Bamboo material used during the festival is thrown into water during immersion,
and it creates the river/lake to clog.
Flowers, garlands and other decorative items used to decorate Ganesha idols are
immersed with the idol which increase the contamination of water.
Other materials like polythene covers, paper and eatables contribute oil and grease
to water bodies.
5 Plans and Programmes by BBMP
5.1 Background About BBMP
According to 2011 census, Bengaluru with an area of 800 km
2 has a population of
8,452,970 with 2.5 lakh households and 3.5 lakh commercial properties. City has
been divided into 198 wards and eight zones with municipal solid waste generation
being 3000 TPD, per capita waste for domestic being 350 g/day. But only 10% of
waste is generated at the source, and solid waste management lies with BBMP.
Around 70% of solid waste management has been outsourced with the remaining
30% handled by the BBMP.
5.2 Pre-festival Planning by BBMP
• Single window clearance for the permission of Ganesha installation from Police.
• Auto/Prahari announcement about eco-Ganesha usage, ill effects of POP Ganesha, information of immersion tanks and mobile tanks (www.ppsthane.com/blog/
effects-of-ganapathi-festival).
• IEC activities in schools, communities and slums with the help of Citizens, Zonal
Co-ordinators, Master trainers and NGOs.
• Provision of single window approval in all zones.
29
4 Challenges Faced by Civic Bodies at the Time
of Immersion and After the Immersion of Ganesha Idol
During the Ganesha festival, 300–400 tons of waste are generated per day than regular
days. It is a huge task for BBMP to segregate and dispose. And also it leads to several
environmental problems. Plaster of Paris (POP) used to make Ganesha idol leads to
metal sludge.
Decorative items used to decorate the idols dissolve in water and contribute to
suspended particulate matters and metals like chromium, zinc, mercury and arsenic.
These materials damage the aquatic animals and other water species in danger.
Bamboo material used during the festival is thrown into water during immersion,
and it creates the river/lake to clog.
Flowers, garlands and other decorative items used to decorate Ganesha idols are
immersed with the idol which increase the contamination of water.
Other materials like polythene covers, paper and eatables contribute oil and grease
to water bodies.
5 Plans and Programmes by BBMP
5.1 Background About BBMP
According to 2011 census, Bengaluru with an area of 800 km
2 has a population of
8,452,970 with 2.5 lakh households and 3.5 lakh commercial properties. City has
been divided into 198 wards and eight zones with municipal solid waste generation
being 3000 TPD, per capita waste for domestic being 350 g/day. But only 10% of
waste is generated at the source, and solid waste management lies with BBMP.
Around 70% of solid waste management has been outsourced with the remaining
30% handled by the BBMP.
5.2 Pre-festival Planning by BBMP
• Single window clearance for the permission of Ganesha installation from Police.
• Auto/Prahari announcement about eco-Ganesha usage, ill effects of POP Ganesha, information of immersion tanks and mobile tanks (www.ppsthane.com/blog/
effects-of-ganapathi-festival).
• IEC activities in schools, communities and slums with the help of Citizens, Zonal
Co-ordinators, Master trainers and NGOs.
• Provision of single window approval in all zones.