BMC says Ganesh idols up to six feet must use artificial ponds for immersion

Ganesh idols measuring up to six feet will have to be immersed in artificial ponds during Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav this year, the BMC has said.

The civic body said the requirement follows a Bombay High Court directive. It discussed preparations at a meeting at BMC headquarters attended by civic officials, Ganesh mandal representatives and idol makers.

Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 14 this year. The BMC plans to set up artificial immersion ponds at designated locations across Mumbai, directing smaller household and public idols away from natural water bodies. Larger idols will continue to be accommodated at designated immersion sites under applicable guidelines.

For immersion-day operations, the BMC said it will deploy 85 ambulances, 1,132 lifeguards, 34 cranes and motor boats at immersion sites. The artificial ponds are intended to collect immersion water and keep materials such as plaster, paint and decorative elements out of the coastline, beaches, lakes and other natural water bodies.

Residents and housing societies are also expected to be encouraged to use community-level immersion facilities.