Greater Noida West: Concerns over Durga idol immersion arrangements in Greater Noida West prompted discussions among residents, social organisations and the Greater Noida Authority on October 19. After residents raised questions about cleanliness, hygiene and devotee safety, NEFOWA President Abhishek Kumar confirmed that arrangements were being made in the Sector 10- 12 pond and that the authority’s team was cleaning the site.
The issue gained attention after residents sought clarity on the availability of a designated immersion location ahead of visarjan on October 20. The Greater Noida Authority had earlier stated that streetlights had been installed at the pond in Sector 12 to provide illumination for idol immersion. However, residents continued to question whether adequate cleaning and safety measures were also in place.
NEFOWA President confirms arrangements at Sector 10-12
Responding to the concerns, NEFOWA President Abhishek Kumar said that arrangements for immersion were being made at Sector 10-12 and that the authority’s team was engaged in cleaning the area.
He also raised concerns about the timing of preparations, saying that people often become active only on the last day of immersion rather than planning well in advance.
“Just as preparations are made in advance for Dandiya, puja and other festivities, the responsibility for immersion arrangements should also be taken up by the committees organising the celebrations,” he said.
Kumar recalled that during Ganesh Utsav, efforts were made on the final day to arrange immersion facilities at Sector 10. However, the arrangements could not be completed fully due to the short time available. He said an alternative location had also been suggested, but NEFOWA faced criticism from some people over the arrangements.
He added that NEFOWA would try to take responsibility for planning immersion arrangements earlier in future years.
According to Kumar, discussions with authority officials had been underway since the morning of October 19 to improve the arrangements at Sector 10.
Abhishek Kumar calls for collective responsibility
Kumar emphasised that responsibility for organising a smooth immersion process should not rest solely with the authority.
“Responsibility does not lie with the authority alone. We all need to work together. Instead of blaming one another, it is better to form a team and work towards a solution,” he said.
His remarks highlighted the need for advance coordination among the authority, social organisations, resident welfare associations and the committees organising Durga Puja.
Sameer Bhardwaj questions Authority’s accountability
Resident Sameer Bhardwaj appreciated the efforts made by social organisations such as NEFOWA but questioned whether the administration and authority were doing enough to fulfil their responsibilities.
He said social organisations work hard and make every possible effort to ensure that public and religious events are organised properly. However, he questioned why the responsibility for filling gaps in civic arrangements repeatedly falls on these organisations.
Bhardwaj pointed out that the issue was not limited to the current year, saying that experiences over several years had raised similar questions about the role of the administration.
He stressed that while the contribution of social organisations deserves appreciation, the accountability of the authority and administration is equally important.
According to him, such events are not the responsibility of a single organisation but concern the wider community.
Dipankar Kumar Highlights NEFOWA’s Efforts
Dipankar Kumar said the authority provides substantial support for such arrangements, while NEFOWA volunteers remain present on the ground to supervise the work.
He said volunteers work day and night to monitor arrangements and that the organisation sometimes hires additional workers to address problems and improve facilities.
Dipankar Kumar also recalled that NEFOWA had arranged facilities for Durga idol immersion at Sector 10 the previous year. However, he said the organisation had left the arrangements to individuals this year, allowing them to choose locations according to their preferences.
He added that NEFOWA would revisit the issue before the next immersion season and work towards ensuring that devotees do not face difficulties.
Residents recall problems during Ganesh Visarjan
Residents of Nirala Greenshire had earlier informed Apartment Times that arrangements during Ganesh Visarjan were inadequate. According to their account, the authority had carried out limited cleaning and installed a few lights, while concerns over safety remained.
Their experience added to residents’ concerns about whether the arrangements for Durga Visarjan would adequately address sanitation, hygiene and public safety.
Residents Sameer Bhardwaj and Mrityunjay Jha had also raised questions about cleanliness and hygiene at the immersion site. They sought clarity on whether proper cleaning and other necessary facilities would be provided. Their concerns highlighted the need for clear communication about the arrangements before devotees arrived at the site.
Is lighting enough, or is comprehensive planning needed?
The discussion has brought a broader civic question into focus: is providing an immersion pond and installing lights sufficient or should the authorities ensure comprehensive arrangements covering cleanliness, waste management and the safety of devotees?
Residents have called for the immersion site to be cleaned properly and maintained before, during and after the rituals. They have also emphasised the importance of advance planning, particularly when several housing societies across Greater Noida West may organise visarjan on the same day.
The developments also point to the need for a coordinated approach involving the authority, NEFOWA, resident welfare associations and Durga Puja organising committees.
Residents seek better planning for future years
With the authority’s team working on cleaning arrangements at Sector 10-12, residents are seeking clarity on the facilities available for immersion and the measures being taken to ensure a safe and hygienic environment.
While NEFOWA has indicated that it will try to take greater responsibility for planning immersion arrangements in advance in future years, residents have stressed that social organisations should not have to compensate for gaps in civic facilities.
The immediate concern remains ensuring that devotees can complete Durga Visarjan peacefully, without facing avoidable difficulties related to cleanliness, safety or inadequate facilities.
The episode has underlined the importance of advance preparation, transparent communication and shared responsibility between civic authorities and community organisations.