Dedicated lake volunteers in Hyderabad are teaming up with the GHMC to recycle the floral and leaf materials used in Ganesh Puja. Their goal is to produce bio-enzyme fertilizers. These volunteers have been working hard during festive seasons, especially during Ganesh immersion, to clean the lake and recycle the waste. However, they have faced a challenge with the large amount of floral waste that ends up in the lake after the immersion, causing water pollution. To tackle this issue, voluntary organizations like the Visva Sustainable Foundation, Dhruvansh, and Dha3RNGO have launched an innovative initiative. They are converting the floral and ‘Patri’ waste, which includes the 21 leaves used in offering to Lord Ganesh, into bio-enzyme fertilizers. The lakes that they are focusing on include Ameenpur Lake, Mansoorabad Pedda Cheruvu, Nizampet Lake, Saroornagar Lake, and Nallagandla Lake.
Manoj Vidiyala, Co-founder of Dha3RNGO, explained that after Ganesh immersion, they often find the lake bed covered with floral and leaf waste. Although the GHMC is trying to clear the waste, it is not possible for them to do it in every lake. During their inspection at Mansoorabad Pedda Cheruvu and Chinna Cheruvu, they discovered a large amount of plastic and puja material dumped there. The toxic pesticides and insecticides on the flowers end up in the water, harming the fragile ecosystem. To address this issue, they plan to convert the floral waste into organic compost and use it as manure for small nursery owners. They aim to start this project within a week.
The volunteers understand that simply clearing floral waste from lakes is not a long-term solution. That’s why they have taken on the task of transforming this waste into bio-enzyme fertilizers. They have been collecting the floral waste for the past five years after each immersion and fermenting it with jaggery for two months. After straining the waste, they obtain a valuable liquid substance that serves as a potent fertilizer for the plants around Neknampur Lake. It can also be used as a toilet cleaner and mosquito repellent.
Through their dedicated efforts, these volunteers are not only cleaning the lakes but also finding innovative ways to preserve the ecosystem and support agriculture.
