PIMPRI CHINCHWAD
In Pimpri, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has implemented several measures to mitigate water pollution during the Ganesh festival. These include erecting watch towers, installing floodlights, and deploying lifeguards and firemen at key immersion ghats along the Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers. Despite these efforts, data from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) from 2019 to 2022 indicates a constant rise in pollutant levels in these rivers.
The main immersion ghats in Pimpri include Subhashnagar Ghat, Moraya Gosavi Ghat, and Thergaon Ghat, where additional safety measures like CCTV cameras and boats have been deployed. PCMC has also installed nirmalaya kalash for the disposal of flowers and garlands and created artificial immersion ponds at the ghats to promote eco-friendly practices.
However, the water quality data shows increasing levels of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), indicating higher waste levels. In 2022, the DO levels ranged between 3.4 and 5.3 mg/l, BOD levels between 8 and 14.5 mg/l, and COD levels between 27.7 and 67.7 mg/l, reflecting a significant rise from previous years. This highlights the need for more effective pollution control measures and improved infrastructure, such as additional sewage treatment plants, to address the ongoing water pollution issues.
Lakes
Pawana River
Mula River
Indrayani River
Ganesh Visarjan Pimpri
Government Action
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has imposed a complete ban on the sale and manufacture of plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh and Durga idols within the city. Civic chief Rajesh Patil has emphasized strict enforcement of this ban, aligning with the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).
Key points of the ban include:
- Compliance with Anti-Pollution Norms: Manufacturers must adhere to the CPCB and MPCB guidelines. Violators will face stringent actions.
- Mandatory Registration: Idol makers must register with the municipal corporation. Unregistered artisans, sculptors, and manufacturers are prohibited from setting up stalls.
- Licensing: Shopkeepers and traders must have a valid license to sell idols. Licensed vendors must display their license prominently.
- Promotion of Eco-Friendly Idols: The PCMC encourages the use of eco-friendly materials such as ‘shadu’ clay and natural colors for idol making.
- Community Participation: Citizens are urged to use water-soluble and eco-friendly idols and worship materials during Ganeshotsav and Navratri.
- Home Immersion Initiative: Continuing from last year, citizens are encouraged to immerse idols at home to prevent pollution in water bodies.
Material
The Ganesh idols made by artisans like Dinesh Gole in Maharashtra are crafted from natural clay, locally known as shaadu maati. This clay is primarily mined in states like Gujarat and West Bengal and then transported to Maharashtra. The mining, extraction, and transportation processes are known to cause environmental pollution and health hazards for miners, as well as degrade natural resources in the mining areas.
Immersion
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) makes extensive preparations for the final immersion day of the 10-day Ganesh festival. Key measures include erecting watch towers and installing floodlights at 16 main immersion ghats along the Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers, as well as deploying lifeguards, firemen, and around 100 to 120 health department employees for safety. The main ghats include Subhashnagar Ghat in Pimpri, Moraya Gosavi Ghat in Chinchwadgaon, and the ghat in Thergaon. CCTV cameras have been installed for monitoring, and boats are positioned at key locations for additional safety.
PCMC sets up pandals at Karachiwala Chowk and Chapekar Chowk to welcome Ganesh mandals. To manage environmental concerns, the civic body had provided nirmalya kalash for disposing of flowers and garlands and installed artificial immersion ponds at the ghats.
Collection Centres
NAME
Millionaire Kids School – Mr Kalyan Mane
PHONE
96996 65673
ADDRESS
8/2 60 feet Main Road, Omkar Colony, Pimple Gurav, Pune – 411061
DATES
30th Sept