Mumbai’s eco-Ganesh Utsav directs record immersions to artificial ponds
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At a Glance
For Maharashtra, Ganesh Utsav is far more than a routine festival—it is the most anticipated time of the year. People eagerly await these eleven days, putting major commitments on hold to immerse themselves in the celebrations. From Aagman (the grand arrival of the idols) to Visarjan (the ceremonial immersion), the city celebrates with unyielding devotion, music, and joy.
Recognising that spiritual celebration shouldn't come at the cost of nature, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took a major eco-friendly step this year by constructing 348 artificial immersion ponds across all administrative wards in Mumbai.
Traditionally, Ganesha idols were sculpted from natural, eco-friendly materials like Shadu mati (clay). Over time, however, many switched to Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols coated with chemical paints. While visually striking, PoP idols do not easily dissolve, and their toxic chemicals severely harm marine life and pollute coastal waters. For years, the day following Visarjan left beaches strewn with broken idols—a heart-wrenching contrast to the glory of the festival.
By encouraging the use of artificial ponds, the BMC aims to restore the ancient, eco-conscious spirit of the festival, ensuring that faith and environmental protection go hand in hand.
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To accommodate the growing preference for eco-friendly celebrations, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has steadily expanded its network of artificial immersion sites. This year, the city constructed a record high of 348 artificial ponds, representing a 20.00% increase compared to last year and a massive 125.97% surge since 2022.
By distributing these artificial sites across local neighborhoods, the BMC effectively reduced heavy overcrowding at Mumbai's famous beaches. Wards like Malad (P/N Ward) and Bhandup (S Ward) led the initiative by creating 7 artificial ponds each. In densely populated areas like Parel (F/S Ward), authorities avoided using natural water bodies altogether, relying instead on 3 strategically placed artificial sites to keep local natural waters entirely clean and protected.
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Mumbai’s devotion to Lord Ganesha is matching its growing commitment to the environment. During the festival, families brought 61,247 household idols to designated artificial ponds instead of traditional sea beaches. Large community organizers also embraced the initiative, directing 301 large Sarvajanik idols to these eco-conscious setups, alongside 92 Hartalika idols immersed during the opening rituals.
By steering tens of thousands of immersions away from natural water bodies, the city successfully prevented tons of plaster of Paris, lead-based paint, and toxic heavy metals from entering marine ecosystems.
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To support the festival infrastructure, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) set up 348 total immersion sites across the city, comprising 281 artificial ponds, 44 beach locations, and 23 natural lakes.
To manage safety and logistically demanding crowd movements, the city deployed an extensive support team along with essential emergency equipment such as 1,132 lifeguards, 85 ambulances, 34 cranes, 10 motorboats, and 6,052 floodlights.
To reduce pollution at the source, the BMC provided idol makers with 858 tonnes of natural Shadu clay and 25,400 litres of eco-friendly paint, while deploying 498 ritual waste bins and 326 dumpers to collect and recycle offerings.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has also announced that free health check-up camps will be organised at or near public Ganapati mandals under the ‘Shree Ganesha Arogyacha’ initiative during the festival. The camps will include general health and eye check-ups, distribution of spectacles to those requiring them, and breast cancer screening for women.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the BMC increase the number of artificial immersion ponds this year?
The BMC constructed a record 348 artificial ponds (a 20% increase from last year) to handle the growing preference for eco-friendly celebrations and to prevent overcrowding at Mumbai's famous beaches. This initiative aims to stop toxic Plaster of Paris (PoP) chemicals, lead-based paints, and heavy metals from polluting coastal waters and harming marine life, restoring the ancient, eco-conscious spirit of the festival.
How did Mumbai's citizens and community organizers respond to the eco-friendly initiative?
The response was overwhelmingly positive, directing tens of thousands of immersions away from natural water bodies. Devotees brought 61,247 household idols, 301 large Sarvajanik (community) idols, and 92 Hartalika idols to the designated artificial setups instead of traditional sea beaches.
What additional support and health services were provided during the festival?
Beyond constructing 281 artificial ponds, 44 beach sites, and 23 natural lakes, the BMC deployed 1,132 lifeguards, 85 ambulances, 34 cranes, and 6,052 floodlights for safety. To support eco-friendly idol making, they provided 858 tonnes of natural Shadu clay and 25,400 litres of eco-friendly paint. Additionally, under the ‘Shree Ganesha Arogyacha’ initiative, Mayor Ritu Tawde launched free health camps near mandals offering eye exams, spectacles, and breast cancer screenings.