MUMBAI: After a phenomenal response to the ‘Vodafone Eco Ponds’ initiative during Ganeshotsav 2017 and 2018, Vodafone Idea Limited is back with ‘Vodafone Eco Ponds’ 2019, for Punekars to bid good bye to Lord Ganesha in an eco-friendly way.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most awaited festivals and is marked with the installation of the deity's idol at home and at elaborate pandals. Each year, over 75 lakh Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris, are immersed in water bodies in and around Pune at the end of the 11-day festival, contributing several environmental hazards. Immersion of idols generally made of Plaster of Paris (PoP), disturb the aquatic ecosystem and is a major cause of water pollution.
Now people are getting more aware of the adverse effects and have been looking to adopt solutions to prevent pollution while permitting them to continue with their social/religious practices.
‘Vodafone Eco Ponds’ initiative was born out of the determination to find an environment friendly solution that will preserve the sanctity surrounding Ganeshotsav and take the pressure off the natural water bodies. Conceived in partnership with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), ‘Vodafone Eco Ponds’ in Pune have been used for immersing over 8,100 Ganesha idols, since Ganeshotsav 2017.
This year, Vodafone Idea Ltd. will set up eco-ponds at four Vodafone stores and will deploy promoters to facilitate the visarjan and monitor the activity. Additionally, two mobile eco-ponds will be sent out in the city for residents of Housing societies to carry out the visarjan in an eco-friendly way within their premises.
Commenting on the environment-friendly initiative, Rajendra Chourasia, Business Head – Maharashtra & Goa, Vodafone Idea Limited said, “Ganeshotsav is one of the most celebrated festivals in Pune. As much as we enjoy celebrating the festival, we are aware of the impact the immersion of idols leaves on the environment. We are extremely happy to support PMC and NCL for the third consecutive year with our ‘Vodafone Eco-Ponds’ initiative to enable Punekars to give an environment-friendly farewell to their beloved Ganpati Bappa. On this occasion, I wish all our Vodafone Idea customers, a very happy and blessed Ganesh Chaturthi.”
Starting 3rd September, Vodafone Eco Ponds’ will be available at Vodafone stores at Aundh Road, Kharadi, Wakdewadi, and NIBM Road. ‘Bappa’ devotees can also search for the closest ‘Vodafone Eco Pond’ by using Maps or dial 7391000000 for information on the locations.
‘Vodafone Eco Ponds’ have helped recycle 34 tons of PoP and generated 2.7 lakh litres of fertiliser in the last two years. This resource was subsequently distributed to farmers in Maharashtra for their fields.
