This Ganesh Chaturthi, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned to adopt some eco-friendly measures with regards to the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) made Lord Ganesha idols. As PoP idols don't dissolve in water, the civic body has decided to adopt a trial method which claims to dissolve PoP Ganesh idols within three days of immersion.
The method devised by the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in Pune, involves usage of ammonium bicarbonate which helps in dissolving idols within three days. The lab officials have claimed that the residue can be used as manure for gardening although more testing is yet to be done.
Also Read: Soon, Mumbaikars Will Be Able To Book Parking Space Via Mobile Application
Mumbai BJP President, Ashish Shelar had recommended the same to the civic body. Likewise, two ponds will be installed, one each in H west and G South ward where ammonium bicarbonate will be used. Meanwhile, the BMC has appointed Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers (RCF) that will be supplying 15 tonnes of ammonium bicarbonate at a cost of ₹2.77 lakh.
Shelar said that the facility is made available at Guzdur Park municipal school near Rajesh Khanna garden in Santa Cruz and another might be installed near the Mayor's bungalow. He added that the idols dissolve into liquid fertiliser that will be later used in BMC gardens.
Photo Courtesy: Newsgram