India Faces Environmental Challenges from Festival Waste
India Faces Environmental Challenges from Festival Waste
IN · Published Oct 30, 2026
• India is grappling with significant environmental challenges due to festival waste, particularly during major celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali. In 2026, Mumbai immersed 97.27% of its Ganesh idols in artificial ponds, yet over 2,754 tonnes of idol remains were retrieved, awaiting scientific disposal. Similarly, Kolkata immersed approximately 5,000 Durga idols in the Hooghly River, with efforts to reuse bamboo frames from the idols. Floral waste, a major component of festival waste, accounted for 47.5% of the waste at nine Varanasi ghats, with 508 tonnes collected in Mumbai during Ganeshotsav
• Diwali, which falls on 8 November 2026, is expected to contribute to air pollution, as seen in Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) of 345 on Diwali day in 2025, the highest in four years.

Impact & Risks

Festival waste poses significant environmental risks, including water pollution, air quality deterioration, and waste management challenges. Idol immersions in natural water bodies, such as lakes and rivers, have been shown to reduce dissolved oxygen levels and increase harmful substances like sulphates and heavy metals, endangering aquatic life. Diwali celebrations contribute to air pollution, with Delhi experiencing 'very poor' air quality levels during the festival in recent years. Additionally, improper disposal of floral and plastic waste exacerbates pollution and hinders recycling efforts.

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