In Nashik, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has collected more than 200,000 Ganapati idols donated by devotees during the Ganapati immersion on Anant Chaturdashi. Additionally, the NMC gathered 177 tonnes of puja waste to prevent river pollution. To promote eco-friendly practices, the NMC encouraged devotees to donate idols rather than immerse them in the Godavari river. They provided 80 locations for idol immersion, including natural spots along the riverbanks and artificial ponds in various municipal divisions. Devotees could dip the idols in the river or ponds before donating them to the NMC. This year, the NMC collected 5,000 more idols than the previous year, with the highest number coming from the Panchavati division. Staff and volunteers were stationed at immersion spots to collect idols and puja waste, resulting in a 18% increase in waste collected compared to last year.