Waste from Ganesh festival 40% more this year; 400% more from three years ago

The Ganesh festival in Hyderabad saw a significant increase in waste generation this year, with 40% more waste than the previous year and 400% more compared to three years ago, according to official records.

Trolley vehicles carrying various sized idols were seen throughout the Necklace Road area towards Secretariat junction, as revelers rode atop the vehicles in their festive attire. Upon reaching their destinations, the idols were lifted by cranes and released into the waters of Hussainsagar.

Police provided instructions for the immersion process, and police officers were seen resting before the festivities came to an end. However, the festivities left a lingering waste problem. Sanitation teams from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) worked tirelessly to clear the waste, with over 6,000 sweepers clearing approximately 770 metric tonnes of waste daily.

A total of 1.15 lakh idols were immersed across various lakes in the city, with 66,000 idols alone immersed in Hussainsagar. Despite efforts, the waste generated from the festival continues to rise year over year, with no focus on sustainability or civic awareness. The 11-day festivities concluded on September 25, 2026, with a total of 4,527 metric tonnes of additional waste collected.