Panvel: As the festive spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi echoed through Panvel, residents bid a heartfelt adieu to their beloved Ganapati Bappa on Sunday, urging him to return early next year (pudhchya varshi lavkar ya). The one-and-a-half-days immersion, which began on Saturday with chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya," saw widespread participation from the community.

Under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Mangesh Chitale, the Panvel Municipal Corporation facilitated immersion at 89 designated sites this year. This included 41 natural immersion spots and 48 artificial ponds, where separate ponds were provided for shadu clay and Plaster of Paris (POP) Ganpatis. The sites were equipped with essential facilities such as security guards, electrical systems, CCTV, stage setups, loudspeakers, and Nirmalya Kalash.

The immersion process started at 5 p.m. and continued until 11 p.m. The preparations and management were closely monitored by Commissioner Chitale and department officials.

In a notable first, five special 'Nirmalya Raths,' as suggested by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Vaibhav Vidhate, were deployed to collect Nirmalya from over 250 Ganesha Mandals throughout the municipal area. This initiative aimed to manage waste effectively and support environmental sustainability. Over the course of the immersion, approximately 1,500 tons of Nirmalya were collected. Plans are in place to convert this waste into agar batti and incense sticks, with dedicated teams handling the cleanup of the Visarjan Ghats.

The Panvel Municipal Corporation also honoured devotees who prioritized environmental concerns by immersing Shadu clay and Plaster of Paris idols in the artificial lakes. Certificates were awarded to recognize their contribution to a more eco-friendly Ganeshotsav.

“This year's immersion activities have set a benchmark for community participation and environmental stewardship, reflecting the city's commitment to preserving cultural traditions while promoting sustainability”, stated Municipal Commissioner Mangesh Chitale.