Latest news with #Ganeshotsav
Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Ganesha devotees vs historic lake: PIL in NGT to urge authorities to protect Dhamapur lake in Maharashtra
More than 500 years ago, in the lush forests of Sindhudurga district, two villages, Dhamapur and Kalse, came together and constructed an earthen dam, creating a water reservoir that acted as a flood mitigation measure. The Dhamapur lake, which is a World Heritage Irrigation structure of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, is now under threat from immersed Ganesha idols. A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed at the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Pune on June 10 against the immersion of idols and washing of utensils and clothes in Dhamapur lake, and to urge authorities to take greater ownership. 'If you take a bird's eye view of Dhamapur village, you will see that there is a Karli creek on one side and a plateau on the other. The region receives heavy rainfall, around 3,000 mm, and we can understand that there would have been flooding in those days. The earthen dam was built to stop the water flow, and a huge lake was created. After creating the lake, the villagers realised that the water could be channelled through the farm fields and then connected to the Karli creek. We see that the dynamics of this engineering were compatible with the biodiversity and ecosystem,' said Sachin Desai of the University of Life, a centre for sustainable livelihood and lifelong learning run by Syamantak Trust in Dhamapur. He further said that the canal that winds from the field is connected to the creek. 'So, the salinity of the creek water is reduced because fresh water continuously flows into it from the field,' Desai added. Around 15 years ago, the Syamantak Trust realised that the dynamics of the lake were not well-known among the local people, largely due to migration. 'We saw that they were constructing a skywalk inside the lake. This was something abnormal, and a student from our organisation, who went on to become a lawyer, filed a petition in the NGT against the skywalk,' said Desai, adding that they did a complete documentation of the entire village at the time. The result was that the court gave a stringent order against the skywalk. It was during this time that the organisation observed that over 200 idols were immersed in the lake. 'At one point, the villagers and even the people of Malvan town were complaining that there was significant siltation in the lake, which was reducing its water-carrying capacity. According to the Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency – Vol. X, published in 1880, and old scriptures, the lake's depth was around 38 feet. In its history of 500 years, the lake has never shrunk. In 2019, for the first time, the water reached the dead level. We see the wisdom of old engineering and how modern techniques and technology have been harmful to the water body,' said Desai. A further survey revealed that the clay for Ganesh idols was being brought to the Konkan from Gujarat and Rajasthan. Ganeshotsav is a major festival in the Konkan, and though the use of Plaster of Paris in making idols is not allowed by law, shadu mati was not helping either. Yet, truckloads of the clay were coming to the region. 'Then second thing we found was that the idol makers were putting some kind of hard plastic to create the ornamentation for the idols. All this was being immersed in the lake,' said Desai. 'The collector sanctioned around Rs 10 lakh to the irrigation department, and an immersion tank was constructed. But which authority would ensure that idols were immersed in the tank? For the last two years, local volunteers have been trying to encourage villagers to immerse the idols in the tank. 'We have some statistics; Around 70 per cent of idols are going into the immersion tank. The rest are still going into the lake,' added Desai. On the request of the organisation, a few eminent Marathi actors like Anand Ingle, Parna Pethe, Pratima Kulkarni, Suhas Paranjpe, Umesh Jagtap, and the late Atul Parchure made video bites to appeal to villagers to immerse their idols only in the designated tank. The organisation also removed the clay and encouraged a local idol maker to recycle it into another idol. 'He made some miniature small clay idols and earned around Rs 70,000 from that,' said Desai. 'Our petition in the NGT is based on the fact that the irrigation department and the district collector are the trustees of the water bodies and all the natural resources. As a trustee, they have to protect this natural wealth and take steps to conserve it, which they are not doing,' Desai further said. There are eight tonnes of clay immersed in the lake. Desai said they are hoping that the irrigation department will take steps to stop further deterioration of the lake, and barricades and security personnel will be installed at the lake to prevent people from immersing idols in the water. Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read More
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chhagan Bhujbal for strict adherence to guidelines on airport funnel zone
Nashik: State food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal advised strict adherence to "airport funnel" regulations near Nashik airport. A meet was held with senior officials, including divisional commissioner Praveen Gedam, collector Jalaj Sharma, police commissioner Sandeep Karnik, NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri, and superintendent of police Balasaheb Patil. "Yesterday (on Saturday), the officials discussed various things with me. While the Nashik International Airport is now getting an additional runway, which is likely to be in place before the Kumbh Mela, there is also a need to ensure the development around the airport is within the norms prescribed. I suggested that the collector, the air traffic control officers, and others concerned should visit the areas around and ensure nothing affects the airport funnel zone," Bhujbal told TOI. In discussions with the police commissioner, Bhujbal emphasised clearing roads and junctions of encroachments and unauthorised parking. "After the meeting, police started taking action against the illegal parking and other things at Dwarka junction. The same activity should be carried out at other junctions and places. It is high time that the police acted against such elements, only adding to the stress of the common man," said Bhujbal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo He additionally highlighted the importance of maintaining clear roads during festivals. "During Ganeshotsav and other festivals, police have to ensure there is no obstruction on the roads at all," he said. Regarding the NMC commissioner meeting, Bhujbal said, "The primary objective of the local self-governing body is to maintain cleanliness. I suggested the NMC ensure absolute cleanliness in the city, and the corporation may approach us and govt for whatever help it requires." The NMC has begun an anti-encroachment initiative across the city. Speaking in Nashik and Yeola, Bhujbal denied seeking the guardian minister position. "I am not in the race. Some may believe that my actions were intended for the same. I want Nashik to be a better place, and I will be taking steps in that direction every time, irrespective of who I am," Bhujbal said. On Raj and Uddhav Thackeray's potential alliance, Bhujbal considered it "wishful thinking". Responding to former MP Imtiaz Jaleel's remarks about Balasaheb Thackeray introducing caste politics in Maharashtra, Bhujbal questioned Jaleel's understanding. "We were groomed by Balasaheb Thackeray and are witnesses to his politics, where he transcended beyond casteism. Bhujbal, Anant Gite, Suresh Prabhu, and many more such wouldn't have the political status they have today. "
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bhujbal for strict adherence to guidelines on airport funnel zone
Nashik: State food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal advised strict adherence to "airport funnel" regulations near the Nashik airport. A meeting was held with senior officials, including divisional commissioner Praveen Gedam, collector Jalaj Sharma, police commissioner Sandeep Karnik, NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri, and superintendent of police Balasaheb Patil. "Yesterday (on Saturday), the officials discussed various things with me. While the Nashik International Airport is now getting an additional runway, which is likely to be in place before the Kumbh Mela, there is also a need to ensure the development around the airport is within the norms prescribed. I suggested that the collector, the air traffic control officers, and others concerned should visit the areas around and ensure nothing affects the airport funnel zone," Bhujbal told TOI. In discussions with the police commissioner, Bhujbal emphasised clearing roads and junctions of encroachments and unauthorised parking. "After the meeting, police started taking action against the illegal parking and other things at Dwarka junction. The same activity should be carried out at other junctions and places. It is high time that the police acted against such elements, only adding to the stress of the common man," said Bhujbal. He additionally highlighted the importance of maintaining clear roads during festivals. "During Ganeshotsav and other festivals, police have to ensure there is no obstruction on the roads at all," he said. Regarding the NMC commissioner meeting, Bhujbal said, "The primary objective of the local self-governing body is to maintain cleanliness. I suggested the NMC ensure absolute cleanliness in the city, and the corporation may approach us and govt for whatever help it requires." The NMC has begun an anti-encroachment initiative across the city. Speaking in Nashik and Yeola, Bhujbal denied seeking the guardian minister position. "I am not in the race. Some may believe that my actions were intended for the same. I want Nashik to be a better place, and I will be taking steps in that direction every time, irrespective of who I am," Bhujbal said. On Raj and Uddhav Thackeray's potential alliance, Bhujbal considered it "wishful thinking". Responding to former MP Imtiaz Jaleel's remarks about Balasaheb Thackeray introducing caste politics in Maharashtra, Bhujbal questioned Jaleel's understanding. "We were groomed by Balasaheb Thackeray and are witnesses to his politics, where he transcended beyond casteism. Bhujbal, Anant Gite, Suresh Prabhu, and many more such wouldn't have the political status they have today. "
Time of India
11-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Over 1,500 artisans in Kolhapur get busy making PoP Ganapati idols as HC lifts ban two months before Ganeshotsav
Kolhapur: Several artisans hailed Bombay high court's order lifting the ban on manufacture and sale of plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganapati idols this week. At the same time, environmentalists asserted that idol makers should still switch to eco-friendly natural colours to paint their creations. With just over two months left for Ganeshotsav, artisans are already getting busy moulding PoP Ganapati idols. Many makers believe that the HC order will boost demand for PoP Ganesh idols this year. Kiran Majgaonkar, head of the Kolhapur Zilla Murtikar Sanghatana, said, "State govt's position was that sculptors should be allowed to make PoP idols. HC's green light to these idols has brought relief to all Ganesh idol makers. It will benefit all sculptors as well as devotees. Although there is less time now, since Ganesh Chaturthi is on Aug 27, the process of making Ganesh idols will speed up." He estimated that there are at least 1,500 idol-making artisan families across the Zilla Parishad (ZP) areas engaged in this craft. Another artisan, Murli Majgaonkar, said, "Clay idols are heavy as well as costly, which is why people demand PoP idols. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo There are limitations in the availability of good quality clay. The ban's lifting will increase demand for PoP idols this year as in Kolhapur, people usually immerse Ganapati idols in artificial immersion tanks." Over 3 lakh Ganesh idols are made in Kolhapur district annually, with at least 2 lakh being household idols. A span of six months is usually taken by artisans to make the idols. In Kolhapur city, Ganesh idols are primarily made in the kumbhar galli (potter's lane) in areas like Bapat Camp, Shahupuri, and Gangawesh. KMC provides artificial immersion tanks across areas to avoid immersion of idols in the Panchaganga river and water bodies like Rankala, Kalamba, Rajaram, and Kotitirth lakes. Commenting on the latest development, environmentalist Uday Gaikwad said, "Kolhapur residents have long been taking the initiative to celebrate an eco-friendly Ganeshotsav since 1989. The civic administration has also supported it. Now, even artisans should switch to eco-friendly natural colours so that this festival can go totally eco-friendly here."
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Traffic chaos in Mandai to ease as work on Metro station's entry gets over
1 2 Pune: The traffic situation in the Mandai area is expected to ease with Maha Metro wrapping up work on the Metro station's new entry point, paving the way for the removal of barricades that have choked the area for almost three years, thereby reducing traffic congestion. The new entry point of the Metro station, now operational at the front of Mandai, has cleared up the area, but a section on the left side remains barricaded. Maha Metro is still building shops for local vendors as a part of a rehabilitation plan, which is why the barricades are still up there, officials said. "The construction of shops is expected to be completed in the next couple of months, after which the entire area will be free of barricading," an official said. Commuters and traders in the Mandai area are, however, growing impatient with the ongoing construction work, particularly with the barricades still occupying a significant portion of the area. They have urged the authorities to expedite the completion of the remaining work, especially the construction of shops for local vendors before Ganeshotsav, which is just a couple of months away. Vendor Ashok Thite expressed frustration over the prolonged construction work in the Mandai area. "Everyone who visits the Mandai area has faced hardships owing to metro works... The authorities must understand that the visitors have been dealing with huge chaos for the last couple of years. All we want is to finish work in the next couple of months and subsequently remove barricades at the earliest," he said. With two entry points now operational and another reportedly under consideration, Thite hopes for a swift resolution to the ongoing disruptions. The Mandai station opened for commuters last Oct. According to Maha Metro, it is listed among the stations with a high commuter footfall. More than 15,000 commuters use the Metro services from Mandai every day. Mandai trader Sudip Khot highlighted a bigger challenge, saying authorities struggle to keep entry-exit points encroachment-free. "Illegal vendors, encroachment and haphazard parking are major problems in the Mandai area. Restricting encroachment around the Metro station is a huge task to avoid chaos," Khot said. Paud road resident Surekha Kulkarni said, "Access to the Mandai area has become a bit easy after the commencement of Metro station but unfinished work is causing hurdles. Even after eight months, the works are not complete in the area. There should be a strict deadline." Besides Mandai, the Maha Metro is also coming up with an additional entry-exit at Civil Court station from the Dengle bridge-end. Work on this entry point is in the final stages. CMRS team inspects Khadki station A team from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has begun inspecting the Khadki Metro station in preparation for its opening. Maha Metro officials are addressing the CMRS team's suggestions, and once formalities are completed, the station will be opened to commuters with corresponding changes to the timetable. The metro station is strategically located near the Khadki railway station, featuring a direct landing that will facilitate seamless transfers between the Metro and railway services.
