New Delhi: Delhi residents looking for a respectful way to dispose of old or damaged idols and puja material will soon be able to use dedicated collection centres being set up at 110 locations across the capital. Delhi govt has also identified 81 artificial ponds for Ganesh idol immersion.The collection centres are aimed at discouraging the disposal of damaged idols, flowers and other religious offerings under trees, in parks, along roadsides and at other public places.Among the immersion sites identified are Gopal Malik Park, near Shastri Nagar metro station, Udyan Marg Park, Subhash Park in Netaji Nagar, Ram Lila Ground in Delhi Cantonment, Talasb Park in Kunwar Singh Nagar, Jheel Park in Beri Wala Bagh, Ajmal Khan Park in Karol Bagh, Astha Kunj on Lotus Temple Road, Sector 1 Ram Lila Ground in Dwarka and Sewa Singh Park opposite Govindpuri police station.Officials said residents can obtain the complete list of collection centres and immersion sites from the revenue office in their respective districts.Govt said arrangements at the 81 immersion sites would include security, lighting, sanitation, medical assistance, emergency response and traffic management. Plans have also been made for the removal of idol remains and other material after immersion, followed by the cleaning of the sites.Chief minister Rekha Gupta appealed to devotees to immerse Ganesh idols only at designated artificial ponds and avoid using Yamuna or other water bodies. She also urged residents not to dispose of flowers, garlands and other puja material in rivers and lakes.As the festival season kicks off, Delhi govt has urged devotees to opt for eco-friendly idols and avoid those made of Plaster of Paris, colours containing harmful chemicals and decorative materials that could pollute or damage water bodies.
