Over 80,000 Ganesh Idols Immersed in Mumbai as Eco-Friendly Practices Gain Traction

During the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, over 80,000 idols were immersed in Mumbai and surrounding areas. The trend towards eco-friendly idols is becoming increasingly popular among devotees.

In Mumbai, over 40,000 Ganesh idols were immersed in water bodies by early Monday following the fifth day of the Ganpati festival, according to civic officials. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported no incidents during the immersion process. Across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), 42,782 idols were immersed in a peaceful and eco-friendly manner within four municipal limits.

The festival began on August 27 and will conclude on September 6. Many devotees choose to immerse idols after one-and-a-half days, as well as on the fifth and seventh days. Following Sunday’s celebrations, 40,225 idols were immersed by 9 am Monday. This included 39,037 domestic Ganpati idols, 1,175 public mandal idols, and 13 Goddess Hartalika idols.

Eco-Friendly Practices Gain Momentum

On Friday, 60,177 one-and-a-half-day Ganpati idols were immersed. Of these, 29,683 were made from Plaster of Paris (PoP), while 30,494 were crafted from eco-friendly clay. The BMC has established nearly 290 artificial ponds for idol immersion alongside approximately 70 natural water bodies like lakes and seashores.

The civic body has encouraged people to use drums or buckets for immersing eco-friendly Ganpati idols to protect the environment. PoP idols under six feet must be immersed in artificial ponds as per court directives. Thane and Palghar districts also saw idol immersions post-fifth day festivities.

Sustainable Celebrations in Navi Mumbai

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recorded 7,334 idol immersions, with 5,079 conducted in artificial ponds following court orders. Civic Commissioner Kailas Shinde urged that idols up to six feet be immersed only in artificial ponds—a request widely respected by citizens.

A total of 1,718 clay idols were immersed with devotees receiving Environment Friend certificates for their efforts. At 165 immersion sites in Navi Mumbai, arrangements included mandaps, lighting, medical assistance, floral offering collection centres, and free bus services.

Thane Embraces Eco-Friendly Immersions

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) facilitated the immersion of 8,984 idols—4,811 clay and 4,173 PoP. Citizens utilised facilities at 24 artificial ponds, 77 special tanks, nine creek points, fifteen mobile immersion units, and ten idol collection centres.

Officials noted that six tons of floral offerings collected are being processed into organic compost at bio-composting plants. The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) reported 18,171 immersions—7,419 clay and 10,752 PoP.

Kalyan-Dombivli's Eco-Friendly Initiatives

KDMC Commissioner Abhinav Goyal’s call for eco-friendly practices was met with enthusiasm as citizens prioritised artificial ponds. Each site was equipped with fire safety measures, medical teams, floral collection centres, forklifts, and cranes.

The Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) in Palghar district recorded 8,293 immersions; of these, 6,723 or 81% were in artificial ponds. Civic Commissioner Manojkumar Suryavanshi oversaw arrangements at 116 artificial ponds and other facilities.

Across Thane and Palghar districts' four municipal limits where 42,782 idols were immersed, many devotees bid an emotional farewell to Lord Ganesh on the festival's fifth day. The widespread adoption of artificial ponds and clay idols underscored a growing commitment to eco-friendly celebrations.

Officials observed that reducing direct water body immersions has helped minimise pollution risks significantly during this year's Ganeshotsav celebrations.

With inputs from PTI