Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has completed preparations for the immersion of one-and-a-half-day Ganesh idols, setting up artificial ponds and iron tanks.
Due to rising water levels in the Mutha River, alternative arrangements have been made with iron tanks near ghats to avoid accidents.
Over 340 CCTV cameras, lifeguards, and other safety measures are in place to ensure smooth and safe immersion.
Pune, 27 August 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has completed preparations for the immersion of one-and-a-half-day Ganesh idols. A total of 281 immersion sites have been readied, including 38 artificial ponds and 648 iron tanks.
With water being released from Khadakwasla dam into the Mutha River, several immersion ponds along the riverbanks are submerged. To avoid inconvenience, iron tanks have also been placed near ghats as an alternative.
The Ganesh festival, which began today (August 27), will run for 11 days. PMC has appealed to devotees to donate idols or use artificial ponds instead of immersing them in natural water sources like rivers and lakes. Across the city, 328 containers have been placed near riverbanks for collection of floral offerings and waste.
Traditionally, large crowds gather in central parts of Pune such as Narayan Peth, Shaniwar Peth, and near Tilak Bridge on the second day, when most one-and-a-half-day Ganesh idols are immersed. To manage the rush, special arrangements have been made at immersion ghats in these areas.
As heavy rain continues in Pune and upstream areas, nearly 8,000 cusecs of water is being released into the Mutha River. If the flow increases, ponds near ghats could be flooded. To prevent accidents, immersion will take place under the supervision of lifeguards. Around 90 lifeguards will be deployed in shifts, with 30 additional lifeguards kept on standby at the central fire station.
To strengthen security, PMC has installed 344 temporary CCTV cameras at 429 ghats and ponds. The civic body has also arranged 3,708 LED lights, 197 generator sets, 388 speakers, and large LED screens at key locations.
With these measures, PMC aims to ensure a safe, eco-friendly, and well-managed immersion process for Pune’s devotees.