Greenesha, 2011 - Celebration of an ecofriendly Ganesha festival
Nirmalya (holy offerings) collection was conducted on 11th September 2011, at three different sites of the G - North ward of Mumbai, i.e. Chaityabhumi, Shivaji Park and Park Club. 25 students from SIWS college, Kirti College, Jai Hind and Sydenham College along with 5 United Way of Mumbai staff members participated in the drive.
PROJECT DETAILS
Volunteers approached Ganesh Mandals and other people and convinced them to give away the
Nirmalya for composting. A Ganesha post-immersion cleanup drive was carried out at Dadar beach in partnership with Solid Waste Management Department of G/North ward. 51 college youth of Kirti and Jai Hind College volunteered in collecting Ganesh idols for re-immersion and
Nirmalya collection. Volunteers also segregated the idols and other waste, which was a great help to MCGM Environment department in cleaning the beach. Mr. Kilje (A.E. Envt., G/North) appreciated the efforts of volunteers.
IMPACT
On the day of immersion, United Way Mumbai volunteers spread awareness among approximately 600 people about
Nirmalya composting and water pollution control through one-on-one interactions while collecting
Nirmalya. They also reached out to around 150 Ganesh Mandals and 100+ individual households during the drive.
Around 450 kg of
Nirmalya from the Mandals and 100 kg of
Nirmalya from individual households were collected. 51 volunteers collected approximately 100 half immersed Ganesh idols and 50+ kg of
Nirmalya found lying on the beach.
