{
  "id": 7871350,
  "title": "'FPJ Eco Ganesha: Immersions In Artificial Ponds Increased Threefold Last Year,' Says MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/fpj-eco-ganesha-immersions-in-artificial-ponds-increased-threefold",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T20:46:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/fpj-eco-ganesha-immersions-in-artificial-ponds-increased-threefold-last-year-says-mpcb-chairman-siddhesh-kadam"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As Ganeshotsav celebrations take place in Mumbai, the issue of water pollution, loudspeakers, and noise pollution has resurfaced as a key topic of discussion. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) chairman Siddhesh Kadam discussed the measures being taken to ensure eco-friendly festivities during the season. The use of loudspeakers and DJs is restricted by guidelines and rules, with a 10pm deadline. MPCB has been holding regular review meetings with civic corporations and police to curb noise pollution. There have been discussions with Ganpati pandals and idol makers to regulate the use of loudspeakers and noise during the festival. Last year, the number of idol immersions in artificial ponds increased threefold, with more than 300 artificial ponds in Mumbai. Since the number of household idols has decreased, this is a positive sign. In Konkan, Kadam's family celebrates the festival traditionally, making clay idols and enjoying traditional dance. To monitor pollution in Mumbai, MPCB has installed AQI display boards at construction sites and uses the Sameer app to regularly monitor air quality levels. The MPCB chairman urged Mumbaikars to start small and celebrate sustainably at home, avoiding PoP idols, artificial plastic flowers, and non-sustainable decorations.",
  "summary": "Mumbai: As Ganeshotsav celebrations fill Mumbai with music, processions and thousands of devotees, the debate over water pollution, loudspeakers and noise pollution has once again taken the centre stage. Alongside the celebrations, concerns over PoP idols, immersion in natural water bodies and the environmental impact of large-scale festivities remain in focus. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}