Pune: With Ganesh Chaturthi just around the corner, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has made a decision that Ganesh idols will not be allowed to immersed in public places in the wake of coronavirus in the city.

The decision comes after Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol declared that the immersion at public places will not be allowed this year. The administration will provide chemicals where people can do the immersion process at home. The administration has also decided to put restrictions on households to avert overcrowding on the immersion day.

Murlidhar Mohol said, “As we all know Pune is battling hard against the COVID-19. Ganesh Festival is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Pune with a huge grandeur. Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day fiesta where the immersion also takes places during these days. Five lakh Ganesh idols are immersed every year. Even if we consider a minimum four people along with one single immersion, 20 lakh people will be on the streets. Thus, the decision of banning the tanks has been taken.

“Ganesh mandals should immerse idols at the pandals. The administration will distribute sodium bicarbonate through the ward office. People are requested to immerse the Ganesh idols at home,” he added.

Earlier, the Ganpati Mandals in Pune have been requested to celebrate the festival in low-key style this year amid the COVID-19 spread. The Pune Police has also made it clear to the mandals in the city that this year no permission will be given for decorations, tableaux and immersion processions.