According to the civic body, a total of 2,01,556 idols were immersed in the past 10 days, of which 12,497 were Sarvjanik and 1,89,059 were household.
More than 33,000 Ganesh idols were immersed in artificial lakes this year. While the numbers have improved in comparison to last year, it accounts for only 16 per cent of the total idols. Environmentalist believe we have a long way to go yet, and called for more environment-friendly options such as Shaodu idols and immersions at home.
Former Mayor Dr Shuba Raul had started eco-friendly Ganeshotsav and initiated the drive to create artificial lakes for immersion in 2008. While the idea gained popularity, BMC seemed reluctant to increase the number of lakes drastically. From 25 lakes in 2008, the number of artificial lakes increased to a mere 31 in in 10 years.
According to the civic body, a total of 2,01,556 idols were immersed in the past 10 days, of which 12,497 were Sarvjanik and 1,89,059 were household. Out of the 2 lakh idols, only 33,632 were immersed in artificial lakes across the city.
"While artificial lakes are a great alternative to polluting natural water bodies, it has become an imperative to device newer ways to protect the environment. The government should promote shadu idols that dissolve easily and people can start immersing idols at home," said Dr Vijay Sangole, who started experimenting with artificial wells in Pestan Sagar Society, Chembur.
"People usually immerse plaster of paris idols in the artificial lakes, which take years to dissolve. Artificial lakes do not particularly help in protecting the environment; they save natural lakes from getting polluted and also reduces traffic woes," he added.
Number of idols immersion in artificial lakes:
Out of 2 lakh idols, only 16%, i.e., 33,000 were immersed in artificial lakes this year.
| Year |
Total idols |
Idols immersed in artificial lakes |
| 2018 |
2,01,556 |
33,632 |
| 2017 |
2,02, 352 |
29,283 |
| 2016 |
2,10,118 |
30,359 |
| 2015 |
1,92,308 |
25,453 |
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