As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva activities, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) organised awareness and cleanliness initiatives focused on post-Ganesh Visarjan cleanliness, clean public spaces and responsible waste management at ICAR institutions. The initiatives aimed to promote environmental protection, safe practices and community participation in maintaining clean surroundings after Ganesh Visarjan.

An awareness programme on post-Ganesh Visarjan cleanliness was organised at a local Ganesh pandal, where participants were sensitised about the use of eco-friendly clay idols and advised to avoid immersion of Plaster of Paris idols and idols containing harmful chemical colours in drinking water tanks. Participants were encouraged to use designated immersion sites and avoid immersing idols and Puja Samagri in natural water bodies. Emphasis was also laid on proper collection and disposal of flowers, Puja Samagri, plastic, thermocol and other decorative waste.

The programme also highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness at immersion sites, preventing littering and following safety precautions near water bodies. The areas surrounding the local Ganesh pandal were cleaned, with garbage collected and segregated to facilitate safe and responsible waste management. The initiative highlighted the importance of collective responsibility and community participation in protecting water resources and maintaining clean public spaces.

As part of the activities, biodegradable offerings including flowers and other Puja Samagri were collected and segregated at ICAR-NISA, Ranchi, Jharkhand, and ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai, Maharashtra. The compostable material was processed at composting facilities for preparation of organic manure. The initiative resulted in the cleaning and segregation of biodegradable waste generated during Ganesh Visarjan and its conversion into a useful resource through composting.

The activities contributed to promoting awareness on cleanliness, sanitation, environmental protection and responsible waste management, while encouraging the adoption of clean, safe and environmentally responsible practices during and after Ganesh Visarjan.

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