Surat Municipal Corporation Sanitary Inspector’s Unique Initiative Leads Way for Citywide Recognition

Surat : An extraordinary initiative has taken root in the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), spearheaded by Deven Desai, a dedicated sanitary inspector. His innovative concept involves the collection and appropriate disposal of old photos of deities and discarded idols, a practice born out of the house cleaning activities preceding the Diwali festival in the Rander municipal ward. This unique endeavor has gained tremendous popularity and is set to be implemented citywide.

Desai, a 28-year veteran at the SMC, conceptualized the establishment of a collection center for discarded photo frames of revered deities and idols in his Pal municipal ward. Identifying nearly 20 locations, particularly the vast Banyan and Peepal trees in the Pal area, he strategically placed banners urging residents to deposit these religious artifacts at the Pal ward office. The goal was clear: proper disposal and safeguarding religious sentiments.

Within a span of three months, the response from Pal residents exceeded all expectations. The ward office was inundated with an outpouring of photo frames and idols, validating the resonance of Desai’s vision.

“We would separate the wooden portion of the frames with the photo and keep the idols separate. The photos of deities are kept in the water container for almost 15 to 20 days to dissolve completely. The idols are immersed following the religious rituals in Tapi river,” Desai explained, detailing the process employed for respectful disposal.

Owing to the resounding success witnessed in the Pal ward office, SMC authorities and leaders from the ruling party swiftly recognized the significance of this initiative and reached out to Deven Desai. Consequently, the SMC announced the extension of the initiative to all municipal wards in Surat.

“Residents clean up their houses before the Diwali festival, which leads to discarding old items, including photo frames and idols of deities. Now, the residents can come directly to us and deposit old photos and idols with us,” Desai emphasized, highlighting the newfound accessibility for citizens.

Over the past three months, Desai has ceremoniously immersed approximately 50 idols of deities, encompassing revered figures such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, and more into the Tapi river.

“Now, I plan to provide the wooden material separated from the photo frames to the poor dwellers on the roadside for cooking their food,” Desai further revealed, outlining his future plans to assist the underprivileged.

“Desai’s ingenious approach not only respects religious sentiments but also demonstrates an environmentally conscious method of disposal. As this practice expands across Surat, it not only safeguards traditions but also extends a helping hand to the marginalized, showcasing a blend of cultural reverence and social responsibility” said Mayor Daxesh Mavani.