In today’s (02/10/25) Times of India newspaper pg 6, I saw a picture stating that Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has erected a Ravana effigy using plastic bottles at its Belapur HQ. Is this true? As I understand, burning plastic, specially PET bottles have worse health and environmental impact compared to traditional wood/paper/cardboard/cloth effigy.
Is NMMC really proceeding to burn the effigy made of plastic bottles and does it have a justification for the same?
Dear @Abhilash_Panikar
I found credible reports confirming your suspicion: NMMC is planning a symbolic burning of a Ravana effigy made from plastic bottles and waste (1,364 kg collected from 56 schools) under its “Swachhta Hi Seva” campaign. The municipal body says the plastic will be shredded and recycled into useful products afterward.
You are correct that burning PET and other plastics emits more toxic pollutants (dioxins, furans, particulates) than wood or cloth. The method being called “symbolic” suggests partial/controlled burning, but it still raises serious environmental and health concerns.
If you like, I can check whether the plan was modified or blocked, or whether NMMC provided a detailed environmental assessment.
If still need help, reply to us.