Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Navi Mumbai Immersion Row Raises Bombay High Court Compliance Questions
Navi Mumbai made 170 special ponds for people to immerse Ganesh idols.
A citizens’ group says some workers are allowing certain clay idols to go into natural lakes.
The group says this may not follow a Bombay High Court order.
According to the group, all idols shorter than six feet must go into artificial tanks.
This rule applies whether an idol is made from Plaster of Paris or clay.
The group wants clear signs and written instructions at every immersion site.
It says the rules are meant to protect natural water sources from pollution.
A municipal official says the civic body is following the court’s directions.
He asked people to report any suspected violations to their ward office.
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has established 170 artificial immersion ponds for Ganeshotsav 2026.
Sajag Nagrik Manch alleges that some sites allow shadu clay idols in natural water bodies.
The citizens’ group cites a July 24, 2025, Bombay High Court order covering all idols below six feet.
The group says the order requires idols below six feet, regardless of material, to be immersed in artificial tanks.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Sunil Pawar says the civic body is following the guidelines and asks citizens to report violations.
- Who
- Sajag Nagrik Manch, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, and Additional Municipal Commissioner Sunil Pawar.
- What
- A dispute over whether clay Ganesh idols may be immersed in natural water bodies despite a Bombay High Court order.
- When
- During preparations for Ganeshotsav 2026; the cited court order is dated July 24, 2025.
- Where
- Immersion sites in Navi Mumbai, including artificial ponds and natural lakes or water bodies.
- Why
- The citizens’ group says uniform enforcement is needed to comply with the court order and protect natural water sources from pollution.
Citizens’ Group
Civic Administration
Compliance with the court order
Citizens’ Group
Sajag Nagrik Manch says the wording covering all idols below six feet does not permit shadu clay idols to be immersed in natural water bodies.
Civic Administration
Additional Municipal Commissioner Sunil Pawar says the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation is adhering to the guidelines.
Immersion practices at sites
Citizens’ Group
The group alleges that staff are applying different rules, directing Plaster of Paris idols to artificial ponds while allowing clay idols into natural water bodies.
Civic Administration
The civic administration’s stated position is that it is following the guidelines; it asked citizens to notify the concerned ward office of any violations.
Public communication
Citizens’ Group
Sajag Nagrik Manch wants clear boards, banners, and written instructions explaining that all idols below six feet must use artificial ponds.
Civic Administration
The administration has not provided, in the article, a separate response to the group’s demand for additional signage and written instructions.
- Artificial ponds
- Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has set up 170 artificial immersion ponds.
- Court order date
- The Bombay High Court order cited by the group was issued on July 24, 2025.
- Case referenced
- Rohit Manohar Joshi and Others versus the State of Maharashtra, PIL No. 96 of 2024.
- Height limit
- The group says all idols below six feet must be immersed in artificial tanks.
- Materials covered
- The group says the rule applies to Plaster of Paris, shadu clay, and other materials.
- Citizens’ demand
- Sajag Nagrik Manch wants banners, information boards, and uniform written instructions at immersion sites.
- Municipal response
- Sunil Pawar said the civic body is adhering to the guidelines and asked citizens to report violations.