MUMBAI: Vodafone India HAS unveiled its unique initiative ‘Vodafone Eco-Ponds’ on the occasion of 125th anniversary of Ganeshotsav celebrations in Pune. Vodafone’s Maharashtra & Goa circle has partnered with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in an attempt to help citizens across the city celebrate and immerse Ganesh idols in an environment friendly manner.

Vodafone has set up ‘Vodafone Eco-Ponds’, a temporary water tank setup equipped with a promoter and a life guard at eight Vodafone stores. Punekars can visit any of the stores with their Ganesh idols, where they will be assisted to carry out the Visarjan.

Vodafone stores located at JM Road, Hirabaug, Wakdewadi, Aundh, Karve Road, NIBM Road, Kalyaninagar and Kharadi will be equipped with Vodafone Eco-Ponds (See Annexure). Further to this, devotees can also dial 7391000000 to locate all the Vodafone Eco-Ponds.

Vodafone India business head - Maharashtra & Goa Circle Ashish Chandra said, “As much as we feel part of this festive buzz, we are aware of the impact, festival leaves on the environment. PMC along with NCL have been in the forefront in encouraging people to undertake immersion at home in order to keep water bodies from polluting."

CSIR National Chemical Laboratory senior Scientist, catalysis division Shubhangi B Umbarkar said, “Last year, many people responded positively and around 25000-30000 people implemented it at home. I would appeal all to either use clay idols or for pop idols use Eco-friendly Ganesh Visarjan process developed by CSIR-NCL.”