Agra. In a bid to keep the Yamuna River pristine after the Ganpati celebrations, the Agra Municipal Corporation has created four dedicated immersion ponds across the city. Devotees will now submerge their Ganesh idols in these temporary basins instead of the river itself.

The ponds have been installed at Hathighat, Kailash Ghat, Balkeshwar Ghat and Dussehra Ghat. Each pond is being filled with water sourced from the Ganga, conveyed through the Palda pipeline, ensuring that Yamuna‑water remains untouched.

This arrangement aligns with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines that mandate eco‑friendly idol immersion practices. By diverting the ritual to controlled sites, the corporation aims to curb river pollution while still honoring the devotees’ traditions.

For added safety, sturdy barricades have been erected around each pond. Municipal staff will be on‑site to guide worshippers, manage crowds and monitor the immersion process from start to finish.

During a recent inspection of Hathighat, Additional Municipal Commissioner Shishir Kumar, accompanied by Assistant Municipal Commissioner Ashok Priya Gautam, instructed Zonal Sanitary Officer Ashutosh Verma to deploy sufficient personnel throughout the immersion period.

Assistant Municipal Commissioner Ashok Priya Gautam reiterated that the temporary ponds comply fully with NGT standards and urged devotees to use only the designated facilities. A dedicated municipal team will remain at each location to ensure a smooth, safe and environmentally responsible immersion.