SOUTH
Each year, the city's governing authorities try to lower the impact, through the encouragement of organic clay idols and various cleaning measures. A particular worry is the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, and chemical paints. But that trend may be changing.
In Bengaluru City, 4,65,000 Ganesha idols were immersed over the last ten days.
As per the reports from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Ganesha idols made out of PoP have also has come down.
Joint Commissioner, Solid waste management, BBMP, Sarfaraz Khan said, "The Jathas and rallies held at various ward levels have got good results and the use of PoP idols has come down drastically,"
Ulsoor lake, whose separate Kalyani (holy pond) is famous for its usage during festivals, witnessed 1,13,350 immersions.
"By and large the idols that reached the Kalyani (holy pond) in the lake premises were made of clay. The BBMP has deputed over 50 volunteers - including swimmers - to prevent the immersion of idols or flowers and other puja items directly into the lake. The swimmers also kept an eye out for accidental drownings, of which there were no cases. People have become environment conscious," said Sarfaraz Khan, who is the in-charge for Ganesha Idol Immersion, BBMP.
Sankey Tank, another crowd favourite saw the immersion of 1,12,320 idols. But Keshava Murthy, BBMP Executive Engineer for East zone and in-charge for Sankey Tank, said that some 65 percent of them were of clay.
"The use of PoP Ganeshas have come down drastically. We had barricaded the Kalyani of Sankey tank and made eight entrances, similar to Ulsoor tank. For visibility during night time, mast lights have been put in place. Over 200 policemen have been deputed to ensure that no law and order issues arise, or traffic gets disrupted," said Murthy.
Lauding the efforts of the civic agency, Lakshman, Chairperson, State Pollution Control Board said that the pollution board would conduct a study on this year's 'success story'.
To drive home the environmentally friendly message in each area during the festival, Resident Welfare Associations and environmental groups like 'Friends of Lakes' were roped in.
The groups monitored immersions and helped residents reduce pollution by opting for smaller idols, which were immersed in mobile tankers that were provided all over the city.