Home / Environment / Toxic Aftermath: Pune Struggles with Idol Immersion Pollution
Toxic Aftermath: Pune Struggles with Idol Immersion Pollution
9 Sep
Summary
- Idol immersion in Pune's water bodies continues unchecked
- Toxic paint, Plaster of Paris, and ecological damage left behind
- Unruly crowds pose a challenge for authorities to manage
As of September 9th, 2025, the annual Ganesh idol immersion rituals in Pune have once again left a lasting impact on the city's natural water bodies. Despite the fanfare and celebrations, the aftermath has revealed a concerning environmental crisis.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) initially maintained order during the first seven days of the immersion ceremonies. However, the sheer number of devotees and large idols overwhelmed the staff, leading to unruly crowds and clashes with municipal workers. Trucks carrying massive idols continued to arrive, and the workers struggled to remove the submerged idols from the rivers and lakes.
The immersion of these idols, made of toxic materials like lead, cadmium, and Plaster of Paris, has had a severe impact on the local ecosystem. The leaching of these substances into the water bodies has caused significant damage to the biodiversity and water quality. Citizen groups and environmental lawyers have been vocal about the need for stricter enforcement and greater awareness among the public.
While some positive instances, such as in Kalyani Nagar, where devotees willingly donated their idols to the PMC, have emerged, the overall situation remains a challenge. The administration acknowledges the need for stronger enforcement, but creating greater awareness among the public before the festival is equally crucial to address this ongoing environmental crisis.
