Agra. In a bid to keep the Yamuna River clean after the Ganpati festivities, the Agra Municipal Corporation has created four provisional immersion ponds at the city’s most frequented ghats. Devotees will now submerge their Ganesh idols in these designated basins rather than directly in the river.

The temporary ponds have been set up at Hathighat, Kailash Ghat, Balkeshwar Ghat and Dussehra Ghat. Each basin will be filled with water sourced from the Ganga, delivered via the Palda pipeline, ensuring that Yamuna’s flow remains untouched.

This arrangement aligns with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines that aim to curb river‑side pollution caused by idol immersion. By providing a controlled environment, the corporation hopes to balance religious practice with ecological responsibility.

To guarantee public safety, sturdy barricades are being erected around each pond. Municipal staff will be on‑site throughout the immersion period to guide worshippers, manage crowds, and monitor the process.

During a recent inspection of Hathighat, Additional Municipal Commissioner Shishir Kumar, accompanied by Assistant Municipal Commissioner Ashok Priya Gautam, directed Zonal Sanitary Officer (ZSO) Ashutosh Verma to ensure ample personnel are deployed at the ghats during the ceremonies.

Assistant Municipal Commissioner Ashok Priya Gautam reiterated that the ponds were prepared strictly in accordance with NGT directives and appealed to devotees to use only the sanctioned sites. A dedicated municipal team will remain stationed at each location to oversee a smooth, orderly and environmentally conscious immersion.