Mumbai : As Ganesh Visarjan approaches on Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced extensive measures to ensure a safe and environmentally conscious immersion of Ganpati idols.
Key Initiatives by BMC:
Artificial Ponds Setup: Approximately 290 artificial ponds have been established across Mumbai to facilitate the immersion of idols, aiming to reduce the environmental impact on natural water bodies.
Deployment of Personnel and Resources: Under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gaggarani and Additional Commissioner Dr. Amit Saini, nearly 10,000 officials and staff will be stationed at various locations. Additionally, 245 control rooms will be operational to monitor and manage the proceedings.
Safety and Support Measures: To ensure public safety, the BMC has arranged for 1,175 steel plates to prevent vehicles from getting stuck in sand, 66 German rafts for small idol immersions, 2,178 lifeguards, 56 motorboats, 594 kalash (vessel) for collecting offerings, 307 vehicles for transporting offerings, 129 observation towers, 42 cranes for large idol immersions, and 287 help desks for devotees.
Health and Emergency Services: A total of 236 first aid centers and 115 ambulances will be available at immersion sites. Over 6,000 floodlights and 138 searchlights have been installed to ensure adequate lighting, and 197 temporary toilets have been set up for public convenience. Firefighting vehicles and trained personnel will also be on standby to handle any emergencies.
Environmental Guidelines:
Use of Eco-Friendly Materials: Devotees are encouraged to use natural clay (Shadu Mati) idols painted with eco-friendly colors. The use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, chemical paints, and non-biodegradable decorations is discouraged to prevent water pollution.
Size and Immersion Practices: Smaller idols are recommended, and symbolic immersions at home are encouraged to minimize environmental impact.
Online Slot Booking: For public Ganesh Mandals, the BMC has introduced an online slot booking system to manage immersion schedules and avoid overcrowding at immersion sites .
Public Awareness and Participation:
The BMC has launched awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the guidelines and the importance of eco-friendly practices during the festival. Information about artificial pond locations and immersion schedules is available on the BMC’s official website and through their WhatsApp chatbot.
By implementing these measures, the BMC aims to ensure that Ganesh Visarjan 2025 is celebrated in a manner that honors both tradition and environmental responsibility.
