Cuttack: Police have set a deadline of October 7 for immersion of Ganesh idols.

The ritual will be completed in three phases. The idols will be immersed only in temporary ponds - large trenches - dug for the purpose in the Mahanadi and Kathajodi riverbanks to prevent pollution of the rivers.

"This year, we have decided to allow the immersion ceremony in three phases - September 16 and 30 and October 7 - all Sundays," said deputy commissioner of police, Cuttack, Akhileswar Singh.

The third Sunday after Ganesh Chaturthi on September 23 was not chosen for immersion because of Ananta brata or Ananta Chaturdashi.

The cops have been allowing phased immersion of Ganesh idols on Sundays and public holidays since 2015 following directions from Orissa High Court.

The high court had issued the order after a PIL alleged that there was no specific date/day for immersion of idols and the procession went on for days on end, causing traffic congestion and hardship to city residents.

It then ordered phased immersions on public holidays as processions on those days would not cause traffic congestion and inconvenience.

There has a been rise in the number of idols that come up on Ganesh Chaturti with youngsters and youth clubs celebrating it in recent years. From 700 in 2013, the number had reportedly gone up to 1,200 in 2017.

"We will set up temporary ponds at seven locations - four on the banks of the Mahanadi and three on the banks of the Kathajodi," Singh said.

Police permits have also been made mandatory to install Ganesh idols in public places.

Organisers are expected to specify the nearest temporary pond while giving details of the immersion route for their idol for a permit.