Cauvery Arati event in Bengaluru generates five tonnes waste

The Cauvery Arati event in Bengaluru generated nearly five tonnes of waste. The ceremony took place at Sankey Tank on March 21, 2025. This is the first event of its kind in the city, aimed at promoting water conservation. The waste included plastic bottles, food wrappers, floral decorations, and banners. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) quickly cleared the area. They used four auto tippers and a compactor to transport the waste to a landfill. The cleanup started soon after the event and continued until 3:30 a.m. The event was organized by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, following directions from Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. It was inspired by a similar ritual known as Ganga Arati in Kashi. Priests from Varanasi led the ceremony at Sankey Tank, aiming to create a spiritual atmosphere. While many praised the event for its intention to promote conservation, others expressed concerns. Some participants noted issues with crowd management, particularly in VIP sections. There were also worries about the effects of loud noises and bright lights on local wildlife. The government plans to host another event similar to Cauvery Arati at Krishna Raja Sagara during the upcoming Dasara festival.