Eco-Friendly Ganpati Visarjan in Pimpri-Chinchwad

Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of immense joy and devotion in Maharashtra, especially in cities like Pimpri-Chinchwad. However, traditional practices of idol immersion have raised environmental concerns over the years.

Addressing this, Srichand Aswani, a dedicated environmental advocate, initiated a transformative movement promoting eco-friendly Ganpati Visarjan. This initiative has now become an annual tradition, blending cultural reverence with environmental responsibility.

Preserving Tradition, Protecting Nature — Year After Year

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated festivals, symbolizing devotion, unity, and joy. Yet, over the years, conventional idol immersions in rivers and lakes have posed significant environmental risks—from water pollution to ecological degradation. Recognizing this pressing concern, Srichand Aswani, a passionate environmental advocate and community leader, pioneered the Eco-Friendly Ganpati Visarjan initiative in Pimpri-Chinchwad.

This movement, initiated years ago under his leadership, has now become a yearly tradition that perfectly blends spirituality with sustainability. As we continue to develop this dedicated blog section, we are proud to spotlight the profound impact of this initiative led by Mr. Aswani and its importance to the people of Pimpri-Chinchwad.

The Problem: A Festival’s Environmental Footprint

Srichand Aswani took the lead in not only advocating for a better way to celebrate but also in building the very ecosystem needed for eco-friendly visarjan. His approach went beyond just suggestions—it involved ground-level execution, civic collaboration, and public education.

What started as a focused initiative in select areas has now grown into a city-wide movement recognised and adopted every year across Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Despite attempts by civic bodies to raise awareness, sustainable action on the ground remained minimal—until Srichand Aswani transformed the issue into a people-powered, city-wide solution.

The Beginning of a Movement

What started as a focused initiative in select areas has now grown into a city-wide movement recognised and adopted every year across Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Annual Infrastructure Led by Aswani Associates

1. Artificial Immersion Ponds: A Scalable, Eco-Friendly Solution

Each year, through Srichand Aswani’s continued efforts and support from PCMC, dozens of artificial ponds are installed across residential societies and public spaces.

For example, Vaibhav Nagar Phase 2, Pimpri, is now a model site where residents routinely participate in clean, dignified idol immersions without harming natural water bodies.

These ponds are:

This practice has now become a new normal for thousands of families during Ganeshotsav.

2. Idol Collection & Donation Centers: Over 85+ Locations Every Year

To prevent unregulated immersions, Mr. Aswani helped push for the establishment of 85+ idol collection and donation centers across the city.

These centers:

This initiative not only promotes responsible disposal but also reduces crowding at traditional immersion spots.

3. 15+ Idol Decomposition Centers (Annually Operational)

Understanding the persistent use of PoP idols, Mr. Aswani introduced a practical solution: chemical-free decomposition pits. Using ammonium bicarbonate, these centers effectively break down PoP idols in an eco-friendly manner.

Every year:

This has now become a cornerstone of eco-friendly immersion efforts across the city.

Public Education & Awareness Campaigns

The success of this initiative is also owed to Sri Aswani focus on awareness and education. His outreach spans:

Workshops and live demonstrations are conducted before each Ganeshotsav to train citizens on:

Over time, this has helped shape a new generation of eco-conscious devotees in Pimpri-Chinchwad.

A Yearly Ritual of Impact: How It All Comes Together

What began as a pioneering project is now a fully integrated part of Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Ganesh festival. Every year, the city witnesses:

85+ idol donation and collection centers
15+ scientific decomposition pits
Dozens of artificial ponds across localities
Thousands of families adopting eco-idols
Mandals embracing clean celebration ethics

The Numbers Tell the Story

Here’s a glimpse of the cumulative impact of this ongoing initiative:

And this happens every single year, with even more participation and infrastructure planned ahead.

The Road Ahead

With climate change and environmental degradation being pressing global issues, the eco-Ganpati movement in Pimpri-Chinchwad, under Srichand Aswani’s stewardship, shows how local actions can have a massive impact.

The future roadmap includes:

Celebrating With Conscience: A New Chapter in Ganesh Utsav

Faith and sustainability are not opposites they can, and should, co-exist. What Srichand Aswani has built is not just a model of eco-immersion it is a blueprint for any city looking to honor tradition while nurturing the planet.

Every Ganesh Chaturthi, Pimpri-Chinchwad now celebrates not just the arrival of Lord Ganesha, but also a renewed commitment to clean water, responsible worship, and civic pride.

Final Word

As we continue to document and support this remarkable work, this blog space will highlight:

This is just the beginning of a growing legacy, and we’re honored to be a part of it.