Bhiwandi Ganeshotsav 2026: BNCMC Sets Up 12 Artificial Immersion Ponds, Deploys 308 Personnel And Strengthens Safety Measures

Bhiwandi-Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) and police administration have ramped up preparations for the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival, prioritizing both safety and environmental responsibility. The civic body has built twelve artificial immersion ponds at designated sites across the city. BNCMC Commissioner Anmol Sagar urged devotees to utilize these artificial ponds for idol immersion, whenever feasible.

A team comprising the mayor, commissioner, deputy commissioner of police, deputy commissioner, senior police inspectors, and representative of the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mahamandal inspected several immersion sites including Varaladevi, Kamatghar, Phene village and Lokmanya Tilak Ghat at Nadi Naka. The civic authority reports that road repairs and lighting installations along immersion routes are nearing completion.

Private water tankers have been arranged to maintain optimal water levels within the artificial ponds. Joint control rooms involving civic and police personnel will be set up at each immersion point to manage arrangements and handle emergencies. Surveillance is enhanced with watchtowers and CCTV cameras, while extra lighting has been installed at immersion points.

Backup generators are on standby to ensure continuous power supply during any outage. Ammonium bicarbonate will be used to expedite the idol dissolution process in the artificial ponds. Before immersion, silt will be removed from the ponds and water will be disinfected using potassium permanganate. Special "nirmalya kalash" will be positioned at all immersion sites to collect flowers and other Pooja offerings.

The BNCMC has earmarked 308 personnel for the main 10th-day immersion, 155 personnel for the one-and-a-half-day immersion, and 264 personnel for the fifth-day immersion. Additionally, 80 lifeguards, 18 floating platforms, and trained rescue divers will be deployed at the immersion points to ensure public safety. All these measures are part of the administration's concerted efforts to manage crowds, provide surveillance, and ensure a swift emergency response throughout the festival.