Ulhasnagar: Despite repeated appeals by the civic administration to celebrate Ganeshotsav in an eco-friendly manner, a majority of idols immersed in Ulhasnagar this year were found to be made of Plaster of Paris (POP), raising environmental concerns.

According to data released by the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation’s (UMC) Health Department, a total of 10,712 Ganesh idols were immersed across eight major immersion centres during the festival.

Of these, 8,835 idols, accounting for nearly 82 per cent, were made of POP, while only 1,788 idols were made from environmentally friendly Shadu clay. Another 89 damaged idols were also immersed.

The highest number of immersions was recorded at Kailash Colony Chowk, where 2,761 idols were immersed. Hiraghat Boat Club witnessed 2,404 immersions, followed by Sanjay Gandhi Nagar with 1,739.

While the continued use of POP idols has triggered concerns over water pollution and environmental damage, the civic body’s nirmalya collection drive received a positive response. With support from Konark Enviro, the administration collected 16,988 kg of floral waste from all eight immersion centres.

The collected waste included 13.5 tonnes of wet waste and 3.4 tonnes of dry waste, preventing it from entering water bodies.

Environmentalists have stressed the need for stronger awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to adopt clay idols. The figures indicate that while waste management efforts have improved, greater public participation is needed to promote sustainable festival practices