Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) began dismantling, segregating and removing salvage waste from Hussain Sagar and other water bodies on Sunday, a day after the Ganesh idol immersion process concluded.
The cleanup operation is being carried out at immersion points across Hyderabad where thousands of idols were immersed during the festival.
HMDA has deployed around 100 carting specialists in three shifts across 38 immersion sites around Hussain Sagar.
Large volume of immersion waste
According to an HMDA official, the immersion of thousands of Ganesh idols generates different types of waste, including structural materials, decorative components and ritual offerings left by devotees.
Large idols often contain heavy iron rods, metal pipes and steel wires used as internal support structures. Wooden planks, plywood bases and bamboo sticks are also used to construct backdrops, platforms and other parts of the idols.
Natural coconut husk fibres may be wrapped around wooden frames to shape the idols before their outer layers are applied. Satin and synthetic fabrics are also used as decorative materials.
“Waste removal began on Sunday morning and may take at least two to three days after more than one lakh Ganesh idols were immersed,” an HMDA official said.
Rag pickers collect recyclable material
Alongside the official cleanup operation, rag pickers and other waste collectors were seen searching through idol debris at immersion sites across Hyderabad and its suburbs.
They were reportedly collecting materials such as iron and aluminium that could be sold to local scrap dealers.
The cleanup and segregation work is expected to continue for several days as authorities clear the immersion sites and remove remaining salvage material from around Hussain Sagar and other water bodies.
