India, Sept. 8 -- The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) collected a total of 876 tonnes of nirmalya (floral offerings) during this year's Ganesh festival. The highest collection was recorded on Anant Chaturdashi, September 6, with 619 tonnes collected and on Gauri Visarjan, September 2, 161 tonnes were collected, said officials.

Most of the waste came from central and riverbank areas where major immersion ghats are located. The nirmalya, including flowers, garlands, coconuts, and durva, was sent for composting.

Officials said collection has risen steadily in recent years, from 627 tonnes in 2023 to 706 tonnes in 2024.

SWaCH waste pickers collected 114 tonnes of nirmalya through their "Nirmalya to Nisarg" initiative. The drive also recov...