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The idols were just dipped in the water and then loaded in a truck by KDMC men to be immersed in the creek, the resident added. The artificial pond that was put up by the KDMC for visarjan
of Ganesha idols at Milapnagar in Dombivli has failed to serve its purpose. Residents alleged that the devotees continued to immerse the idols in the now-dying Milapnagar lake and did not
use the artificial pond. "The corporation put up a 1000 liter syntax water tank near the lake for immersion," said a resident of Milapnagar on the condition of anonymity. Last
week, when the devotees brought their idols for immersion, the residents were shocked as the idols were not immersed in the tank. "The idols were just dipped in the water and then
loaded in a truck by KDMC men to be immersed in the creek," the resident added. But the devotees objected to the idea and immersed the idols in the lake. "We tried to convey to
them on why not to use the lake, but it led to a heated argument and we had to submit to their demand. Total 102 immersions took place in the lake last week," he said. As the Milapnagar
lake in Dombivli east has been reported to be on the verge of extinction with its flora and fauna dying due to zero oxygen levels in the water, residents had requested the Kalyan Dombivli
Municipal Corporation (KDMC) to install an artificial pond for immersion of idols. Those residents who are trying to save the lake have put up a board outside the lake requesting people that
the lake has stagnant water and it is their duty to keep it clean. "There is shortage of water in Maharashtra and it is our responsibility to save the lake from dying," said
another resident adding that it however looks like there is not much interest among people to save it. "Whatever we are doing is for the environment, but the administration is least
bothered," he said. A senior KDMC official said a proposal to clean the lake has been mooted and after seeking sanctions from the higher authorities, the work will start. However, he
refused to specify when the process will start. From February 11, devotees started celebrating the Maghi Ganesha festival, which goes up to 10 days like Ganesha Chaturthi. In this period
like sarvajanik mandals, idols are installed at homes for a minimum of 1.5 days.