Hyderabad: Ganesh immersion waste removal begins around Hussain Sagar

A day after Ganesh idol immersion concluded, HMDA began dismantling, segregating and removing salvage waste around Hussain Sagar and other water bodies. About 100 carting specialists are working in three shifts across 38 immersion sites around the lake.

Hyderabad: A day after Ganesh idol immersion concluded, the process of dismantling, segregation, and removal of salvage waste is underway around Hussain Sagar on Sunday. Similar exercise is also taken up at all the water bodies where the idol immersion was done in the last week.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has deployed 100 carting specialists in three shifts across 38 immersion sites around Hussain Sagar.

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The immersion of thousands of Ganesh idols generates a large and diverse volume of waste, broadly categorised into structural components, decorative materials and ritual offerings brought by devotees, according to a senior HMDA officer.

Heavy iron rods, metal pipes and steel wires form the internal skeleton and support systems of large idols, providing stability and preventing them from collapsing under their own weight. Heavy timber planks, plywood bases and intertwined bamboo sticks are also used to create backdrops, limbs and platforms, said the official.

Artisans tightly wrap natural coconut husk fibres around wooden frames to shape the idols’ bodies before applying outer layers. Satin and synthetic fabrics are also used to dress the idols, he added.

“Waste removal began on Sunday morning and may take at least two to three days after more than one lakh Ganesh idols were immersed,” said an HMDA official.

Meanwhile, rag pickers and others too started scavenging the idol debris at the immersion sites across the city and suburbs for material they could salvage and sell. They were seen looking to recover iron and aluminium from the idols which could be sold to local scrap dealers.