India, Sept. 6 -- In a significant shift in how Ganesh visarjan is managed in rural areas, the Satara district and Zilla Parishad (ZP) administration is implementing a wide-ranging, eco-friendly immersion plan focused on environmental conservation and protection of water resources.

As part of the plan, a total 488 artificial ponds have been created and natural water bodies plus old, unused wells have been identified across 1,423 gram panchayats to prevent pollution during idol immersion. Arrangements have also been made for the idols to be respectfully handed over to potters after immersion for recycling purposes. A list of potters prepared by 221 gram panchayats will help make this initiative more effective.

Yashani Nagarajan, CEO, Sat...