Hyderabad: The Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation (MMC) has processed nearly 7,000 metric tonnes of floral waste generated during Ganesh immersion events and Bathukamma celebrations into organic products, including incense and dhoop sticks.
According to MMC Additional Commissioner (Sanitation) Raghu Prasad, more than 6,400 metric tonnes of floral waste were collected during Ganesh immersion events, while approximately 400 metric tonnes came from Bathukamma celebrations.
Dedicated Kiosks for Floral Waste Collection
The initiative was implemented in collaboration with Pakka Organics, with dedicated collection kiosks established at major immersion points, including Safilguda Lake, according to MMC Commissioner Vinay Krishna Reddy.
The kiosks collected flowers offered during religious rituals as well as floral waste brought along with Ganesh idols. The corporation arranged for the flowers to be collected separately rather than mixed with regular municipal garbage.
The separate collection system helped channel festival-generated floral waste towards recycling and reuse.
How Floral Waste Is Turned into Incense
Pakka Organics processed the collected flowers by drying them and converting them into powder. The powder was then blended with herbs, natural resins, wood powders and plant-based binders to manufacture incense and dhoop sticks, according to the municipal commissioner.
The process gives discarded flowers a second use by converting them into products commonly used for religious rituals and household purposes.
Focus on Sustainable Waste Management
MMC officials said the initiative supports environmental protection by diverting large quantities of floral waste from conventional disposal systems.
Religious festivals can generate substantial amounts of discarded flowers over a short period. Collecting and processing this material separately can help reduce the burden on municipal waste management operations while encouraging resource recovery.
The corporation’s collaboration with Pakka Organics demonstrates an approach to managing festival waste through dedicated collection arrangements and the conversion of biodegradable materials into reusable products.
MMC officials said the initiative supports more scientific waste management practices while promoting the productive reuse of materials generated during major religious celebrations.
