Delhi sets up 78 artificial ponds for Ganpati visarjan

Ganpati devotees in Delhi will have 78 artificial ponds available for visarjan this year, with sites set up in parks, Ramlila grounds, vacant plots and other public-use spaces.

The locations include Gopal Malik Park near Shastri Nagar Metro station, Udyan Marg, Ajmal Khan Park, Aastha Kunj near Lotus Temple Road, and Sector 1 and Sector 23 in Dwarka. Other designated sites are spread across Mayur Vihar, Patparganj, Rohini, Kirari, Jahangirpuri, Shalimar Bagh and Mundka. Buddha Park, Neelam Mata Mandir, Rajesh Pilot Park, Trilokpuri and Kondli are among the listed locations in east Delhi.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has barred idol immersion in the Yamuna and other water bodies except at sites designated by authorities. Its directions also prohibit plaster-of-Paris idols from being immersed in water bodies.

Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the ponds are meant to offer accessible facilities while protecting the Yamuna. The same ponds are also planned for Durga Puja immersions and Chhath festivities.