Aundh temple gets composting machine to curb river pollution

PUNE: A temple in Aundh has installed a composting machine to curb river pollution. The machine, with a 75kg capacity, will be used to convert nirmalya into manure, which will be used for plants on Vitthal Mandir’s premises.
The machine was installed on June 1 by Jivit Nadi Living River Foundation, devotees and Aundh Gaon residents as a part of World Environment Week celebrations. “About 8-10kg of nirmalya is generated daily at the temple. It is thrown into the Mula, which flows close by. We have been requesting people to avoid throwing nirmalya in the water, but people continued to do so as alternatives were unavailable,” said Ganesh Kalapure, a resident who is also associated with Jivit Nadi.

According to Kalapure, the composting machine is the best alternative available to them. After the successful installation of the machine at the Aundh temple, the organization plans to approach other temples across the city to undertake similar initiatives.

Kalapure said this initiative would encourage people to avoid throwing nirmalya in the water. “We will use the manure on the temple premises. If excessive manure is produced, we will sell it,” he said.

Members of Aundh-based Chhatrapati Pratishthan, Vitthal Rukmini Mahila Bhajan Mandal, Aundhgaon Bhajani Mandal and residents will encourage devotees to dispose of nirmalya in the machine, and also ensure its maintenance.

“We have instructed everyone on the functioning of the machine and the items that can be disposed of in it. Glass, plastics, paper and cooked food cannot be composted in this machine, which can only compost leaves, flowers, fruits, coconut and green waste generated on the temple premises,” Kalapure said.

“Most of us have lived here in Aundh Gaon for decades and have seen changes in the river and the rising pollution. When we were younger, we would go swimming in the river, and even drink its water. It had nearly 28 different varieties of fish,” Kalapure said. “Now, one cannot even set foot in the water. The river can only be seen flowing during the monsoon,” he added.