The Ganesh Chaturthi festival culminated this week with idol immersions taking place across major cities, including New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Noida. In New Delhi, thousands of devotees violated pollution norms by immersing idols in the Yamuna River, despite a ban from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. In Hyderabad, authorities deployed over 25,000 police personnel to manage the immersion processions, which faced traffic restrictions due to a reversal of a ban on immersions along the Tank Bund after pressure from local groups. Noida also issued a traffic advisory, implementing diversions to accommodate the idol immersions at various sites, including the Yamuna and Hindon Rivers. Amid these festivities, concerns regarding environmental impact and public safety were highlighted, particularly in Delhi where pollution from idol immersion was noted. Civic authorities across cities are making efforts to ensure smooth and safe immersion while addressing associated environmental issues.