Over 6.54 lakh Ganesh idols were immersed in Pune this year, nearly one lakh more than last year.
1.78 lakh idols were donated instead of immersion, while 923 metric tonnes of nirmalya (floral offerings) were collected.
The PMC expanded artificial immersion facilities and nirmalya collection, with the waste now processed into fertilizer for farmers.
Pune, 9th September 2025: The city of Pune witnessed a large-scale but eco-friendly Ganesh idol immersion this year. Over 6,54,410 idols were immersed across the city during the 10-day festival, almost one lakh more than last year.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had appealed to citizens to use artificial immersion tanks instead of rivers and canals, and the response was overwhelming.
The civic body had set up 38 artificial ponds, 648 iron tanks, and multiple collection centres across the city to ensure smooth and eco-conscious immersion. Of the total idols, 1,78,376 were donated instead of being immersed. On the final day of visarjan alone, more than 4.47 lakh idols were immersed.
Alongside this, Pune also collected a record 9,23,398 kilos (923 tonnes) of nirmalya, floral and organic offerings, from across the city. This is a significant jump compared to 706 tonnes in 2024 and 650 tonnes in 2023. The PMC had placed special collection points in expanded city areas and ran awareness drives to prevent the material from entering rivers.
Officials from the Solid Waste Management Department confirmed that the collected nirmalya will be converted into fertilizer and distributed free of cost to farmers. This initiative ensures that waste generated during Ganeshotsav is reused productively while protecting the environment.
Compared to 2024’s 5.59 lakh immersions with 1.76 lakh idol donations, this year showed stronger participation in eco-friendly practices. Civic authorities credited the rise to better infrastructure, active support from social groups, and enthusiastic cooperation from Pune residents.