FPJ Eco-Ganesha Initiative: BMC Pushes Green Ganeshotsav As 98% Idol Immersions Shifted To Artificial Lakes In Mumbai

The Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) is actively promoting eco-friendly Ganeshotsav celebrations in Mumbai, with a significant shift towards artificial lakes for idol immersions. Additional Municipal Commissioner Avinash Dhakane highlighted the BMC's efforts to ensure scientific disposal of immersed idols, in compliance with the Bombay High Court's (HC) directives and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines. Since last year, 98% of idol immersions were reported to have been conducted at artificial lakes.

The number of artificial ponds for idol immersions has increased from 298 to 383 this year, with a focus on locations within a 1.5-kilometer radius of crowded areas and with a history of high eco-friendly Ganpati visarjan turnout. Mumbai also boasts 67 natural immersion sites, such as sea fronts, rivers, and lakes, each managed by the BMC to ensure smooth immersion and devotee safety.

Lifeguards, volunteers, and NGO representatives are deployed at these sites, along with nirmalya kashalas for garland and puja item collection.

The BMC distributed over 940 metric tonnes of clay and 25,400 litres of natural colors to artisans to make eco-friendly idols until September 13, with a goal of providing 1000 metric tonnes of raw materials. Despite many artisans procuring materials locally, the demand for eco-friendly idols continues to surge. The remains of 2400 metric tonnes of retrieved idol remains will be transported to a designated site for scientific disposal this year.

The online single-window clearance system for obtaining no objection certificates (NOCs) has been successful, with 2,700 sarvajanik Ganpati mandals receiving permissions across the city. The BMC follows up with the police for any pending permissions and monitors noise pollution through the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to ensure compliance and take action against violators.