Archive · 16 Sep 2026
BMC Expands Artificial Lakes For Greener Ganeshotsav In Mumbai
Mumbai is encouraging people to celebrate Ganeshotsav in ways that are safer for nature.
The city has created more artificial lakes where Ganpati idols can be immersed.
The BMC says 98% of immersions happened in these lakes last year.
This year, the number of artificial-lake locations has grown from 298 to 383.
Larger idols may still be immersed at natural sites, while smaller idols must use artificial ponds.
Workers, volunteers and lifeguards help manage crowds and keep people safe.
The BMC also gave artisans clay and natural colours to help them make eco-friendly idols.
Idol remains will be dried and may be sent to a private company for recycling if discussions succeed.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation increased artificial immersion locations from 298 last year to 383 this year.
The BMC said 98% of Mumbai’s idol immersions took place in artificial lakes last year.
Mumbai has 67 natural immersion sites, where lifeguards, volunteers, trolleys, toilets and nirmalya collection facilities are deployed.
The BMC distributed more than 940 metric tonnes of clay and 25,400 litres of natural colours to artisans by September 13.
Around 2,700 public Ganeshotsav mandals received permissions through the BMC’s single-window clearance system.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, devotees, artisans, volunteers, NGOs and public Ganeshotsav mandals are involved.
- What
- Mumbai is expanding artificial immersion lakes and promoting clay idols, natural colours and environmentally friendly Ganeshotsav celebrations.
- When
- During this year’s Ganeshotsav; the BMC’s material-distribution figures were reported through September 13.
- Where
- Mumbai, including 383 artificial-lake locations and 67 natural immersion sites.
- Why
- The measures aim to follow Bombay High Court directions and Central Pollution Control Board guidelines while reducing harm to natural water bodies.
- Artificial immersion locations
- 383 this year, compared with 298 last year
- Artificial-lake immersions
- The BMC said 98% of Mumbai’s idol immersions took place in artificial lakes last year
- Natural immersion sites
- 67 sites, including seafronts, rivers and lakes
- Clay distributed
- More than 940 metric tonnes by September 13
- Natural colours distributed
- 25,400 litres by September 13
- Public mandal permissions
- Around 2,700 permissions granted across 26 BMC civic wards
- Previous idol remains
- About 2,400 metric tonnes remain stored at a site in Mulund