The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) organized cleanliness and awareness initiatives as part of Swachhata Hi Seva activities focused on post-Ganesh Visarjan practices. The program specifically addressed environmental protection and community participation in maintaining clean surroundings after the religious ceremony.
An awareness program was conducted at a local Ganesh pandal where participants were sensitized about using eco-friendly clay idols and advised against immersing Plaster of Paris idols and chemically colored idols in drinking water tanks. The initiative emphasized using designated immersion sites and avoiding immersion of idols and Puja Samagri in natural water bodies. Proper collection and disposal methods were highlighted for flowers, Puja Samagri, plastic, thermocol, and other decorative waste.
The program also focused on maintaining cleanliness at immersion sites, preventing littering, and following safety precautions near water bodies. Surrounding areas of the local Ganesh pandal were cleaned with garbage collected and segregated to facilitate responsible waste management.
At specific ICAR institutes, biodegradable offerings including flowers and other Puja Samagri were collected and segregated at ICAR-NISA in Ranchi, Jharkhand and ICAR-CIRCOT in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The compostable material was processed at composting facilities for preparation of organic manure, converting biodegradable waste generated during Ganesh Visarjan into useful resources.
The activities promoted awareness on cleanliness, sanitation, environmental protection, and responsible waste management while encouraging adoption of clean, safe, and environmentally responsible practices during and after Ganesh Visarjan ceremonies.