Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar bade farewell to Goddess Durga on Thursday as idols from puja pandals across the city were taken out in colourful processions for immersion in artificial ponds created as part of an eco-friendly arrangement.Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) set up four temporary ponds on sandy riverbeds to ensure that the idols were immersed without polluting natural water bodies. Two ponds were created on Kuakhai riverbed near Mancheswar, while one each was set up at Hanspal and Basuaghai, sources said. The civic body arranged road access and lighting near the immersion sites.With nearly 350 Durga Puja pandals organised in the city this year, the immersion ceremonies drew thousands of spectators along major routes. Puja committees assembled at designated points, including Saheed Nagar, Nayapalli, Chandrasekharpur and Old Town, before proceeding towards the immersion ponds after completing the rituals. Around 25 committees gathered with their idols at Saheed Nagar Durga Puja ground, while nearly 16 assembled at Nayapalli Durga Puja ground. Several other committees conducted their processions independently.Traffic was regulated across key stretches to allow the processions to pass smoothly. Vani Vihar-Raj Mahal Janpath was blocked for idol movement, while restrictions were imposed in and around Nayapalli and other busy areas. Police said diversions were introduced wherever required to manage congestion. As DJ systems were not permitted, traditional drums, bands, decorative lights and tableaux dominated the celebrations. The Bomikhal Durga Puja committee drew special attention with a tableau featuring a replica of a burning train, on which artistes performed.Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M said 48 platoons of police force were deployed to maintain law and order during the immersion processions. The arrangements were supervised by 20 officers of ACP rank and four additional DCP-rank officers. Police personnel were stationed along procession routes, assembly points and immersion sites to prevent overcrowding and ensure the ceremonies concluded peacefully.