In a move to streamline the Ganesh immersion process and promote environmental responsibility, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a real-time tracking system for mobile immersion tanks. The initiative aims to divert citizens from riverbanks to designated immersion locations, according to Sandeep Kadam, Head of PMC’s Solid Waste Management.
The tracking system is part of a broader effort that includes the collection of “nirmalay,” or dried flower offerings. Kadam urged the public to actively participate in these eco-friendly initiatives. The SWaCH waste pickers, who are instrumental in the ‘Nirmalya to Nisarga’ campaign, now in its 16th year, will be stationed at 40 key immersion sites across Pune.
To ensure public safety, PMC has deployed lifeguards and established comprehensive security measures, including electrical, acoustic, water, and sewage systems, at all immersion locations. Quick-response teams are also in place for immediate repairs.
The immersion activities, which attract devotees from both within and outside the state, will continue until Friday afternoon. To accommodate the influx, PMC has set up mobile toilets at 15 ward offices and arranged for sanitation and medical aid along the procession routes.
For the convenience of Ganesha Mandals, reception pavilions will be erected at three locations: Tilak Chowk (Alka Talkies), Sahitya Parishad-Tilak Road, and Mati Ganapati-Narayan Peth. Additionally, a disaster management cell has been established, with emergency contact numbers made available to the public.
The immersion procession will commence at 10 a.m. on Thursday, led by Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar, who will offer floral tributes to statues of Tilak and Yashwantrao Chavan at Mahatma Phule Mandai.
PMC has made available a total of 150 mobile water tanks, with 10 designated for each ward. The live tracking link for these tanks is here.
