BMC To Expand Artificial Lakes For Eco-Friendly Ganeshotsav Across Mumbai
Free shadu clay, eco-colors and infrastructure support offered to sculptors; POP idols under 6 feet to be immersed only in artificial ponds
In a major move toward promoting sustainable religious festivities, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a significant expansion of artificial immersion ponds for the upcoming Ganeshotsav 2025 celebrations. Last year, BMC facilitated the eco-conscious immersion of idols through 204 artificial lakes, and this year the number is expected to rise substantially, according to Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2) and Ganeshotsav Coordinator Prashant Sapkale.
At a joint coordination meeting held at the BMC’s F-South Ward office in Parel, BMC officials and various Ganesh mandal representatives discussed the logistics of an eco-friendly festival. Key officials, including Deputy Commissioner for Environment Avinash Kate, assistant commissioners from multiple wards, and disaster management officials like Rashmi Lokhande, were present.
Eco-Friendly Boost: Free Clay, Colors, and Space
To encourage the use of sustainable materials, BMC is offering free shadu clay and for the first time on a pilot basis, eco-friendly paints to idol-makers. Additionally, sculptors will receive free spaces to construct idols, distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis. The corporation has also committed to managing the post-immersion silt in an environmentally sound manner, reusing it for future purposes under proper supervision.
Mandatory Use of Artificial Ponds for POP Idols
In line with directives from the Maharashtra government and High Court, BMC will mandate immersion of POP idols under 6 feet only in artificial ponds. This policy aims to reduce environmental degradation caused by plaster-of-Paris immersions in natural water bodies.
Infrastructure Demands From Mandals
Ganesh mandals voiced their concerns over practical issues like potholes on immersion routes, overgrown tree branches, malfunctioning traffic signals, and sanitation near pandals. BMC has assured that arrangements such as temporary restrooms, Nirmalya Kalash (organic waste collectors), cable fixing, and better signage will be completed in time. Food adulteration surveillance and special women’s facilities like Hirkani Rooms were also requested.
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and Additional Commissioner Dr. Amit Saini are overseeing the entire preparation process, aiming for a seamless and environmentally respectful celebration.