Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Mumbai Ganeshotsav 2026: BMC Prepares 383 Artificial Ponds, 25,000 Personnel
Mumbai is celebrating Ganeshotsav from September 14 to 25, 2026.
The city is preparing many places for people to safely immerse Ganesh idols.
The BMC created 383 artificial ponds at 278 sites.
Smaller idols must be immersed in these ponds, while larger idols can go to 67 authorised natural sites.
More than 25,000 civic workers are helping manage the celebrations.
At Girgaon Chowpatty, about 1,000 personnel and extra safety equipment have been deployed.
The BMC also wants to plant one tree for every immersed idol.
By 6 p.m.
on the fifth immersion day, 2,033 idols had been immersed without any reported serious incident.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation set up 383 artificial ponds across 278 sites for Ganesh idol immersions.
More than 25,000 civic personnel were deployed, with arrangements completed at 67 natural immersion locations.
Idols measuring six feet or less must be immersed in artificial ponds, while larger idols can use authorised natural sites.
The BMC prepared equipment and facilities including 34 cranes, 85 ambulances, 1,132 lifeguards and 6,052 floodlights or searchlights.
By 6 p.m. on the festival’s fifth immersion day, 2,033 idols had been immersed without reported untoward incidents.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, civic personnel, devotees and Ganeshotsav participants.
- What
- Mumbai prepared artificial ponds, natural immersion sites, personnel and safety infrastructure for Ganesh idol immersions.
- When
- Arrangements were reported on September 18, 2026, during Ganeshotsav, which runs from September 14 to 25.
- Where
- Mumbai, including 278 artificial-pond sites, 67 authorised natural sites and Girgaon Chowpatty.
- Why
- To manage Ganesh idol immersions safely and follow guidelines based on the Bombay High Court’s August 20 directive.
- Artificial ponds
- 383 ponds across 278 sites
- Natural immersion sites
- 67 authorised sites: 44 beaches and jetties, plus 23 natural ponds and lakes
- Civic deployment
- More than 25,000 personnel across Mumbai
- Size rule
- Idols up to six feet must use artificial ponds; larger idols must use authorised natural sites
- Girgaon Chowpatty
- 12 artificial ponds and approximately 1,000 personnel
- Environmental initiative
- ‘Ek Ganpati, Ek Jhaad’ calls for one tree to be planted for every immersed idol
- Fifth-day immersions
- 2,033 idols immersed by 6 p.m.; no untoward incidents were reported