Mumbai's Maghi Ganeshotsav Immersion Sees Mixed Response to Environmental Guidelines
The ten-day Maghi Ganeshotsav celebrations in Mumbai are drawing to a close, with idols scheduled for immersion on January 31 and February 1. This follows the earlier immersion of seven-day idols on January 28. Unlike the previous year in 2025, when stricter enforcement was observed, many mandals this season report not receiving explicit instructions to avoid natural water bodies for visarjan.
Mandals Return to Traditional Immersion Sites
As a result, several Ganesh mandals have opted to perform immersions at their customary locations. Popular spots such as Marve Beach, Gorai, and Girgaum Chowpatty have seen activity, with devotees gathering for the ritual. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reiterated its stance, informing TOI that it is actively constructing artificial tanks and urging devotees to utilize these facilities instead.
A notable moment occurred during the immersion yatra on January 28 when the Charkop cha Peshwa mandal met the Charkop cha Chintamani mandal. Harshad Jethwa from the Peshwa's mandal shared, "We completed our seven-day Maghi Ganeshotsav on Jan 28 at Gorai beach. The event passed off peacefully with no hindrance."
Successful Celebrations and Future Plans
Sagar Bamnolikar of Kandivli Cha Shree mandal expressed satisfaction with their season, highlighting their Mahabharat-themed idol. "We have had a successful season and have scheduled our immersion for February 1 at our regular site of Marve beach," he stated.
Shekhar Shere from the ten-day Kandivli cha Icchapurti mandal provided insight into their approach. Their 9-foot Ganpati idol had previously explored artificial tank options in 2025. "Our idol is just 9 ft, which makes immersion in artificial ponds feasible. We have options like one in Sanjay Gandhi National Park and another in Dahanukarwadi. We will decide before February 1," he explained.
BMC's Environmental Guidelines and SOPs
BMC officials have clarified the regulatory framework, citing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on August 18, 2025, and a circular dated August 26, 2025. These guidelines mandate the construction of artificial ponds for idols up to six feet in height.
According to the SOPs, the immersion of certain materials in natural water bodies is strictly prohibited. This includes:
- Coloured chemicals
- Thermocol and plastic items
- Cloth, flowers, and garlands
- Decorative materials and similar waste
To manage ritual waste, public mandals and devotees are being encouraged to dispose of floral offerings and other materials only in designated 'nirmalya kalash' collection containers.
BMC's Appeal for Eco-Friendly Celebrations
The BMC is setting up artificial ponds based on local requirements to facilitate smooth immersion processes. Deputy Commissioner and Ganeshotsav Coordinator Prashant Sapkale emphasized the broader objective: "With the goal of celebrating Maghi Ganeshotsav in an environmentally friendly manner and preventing pollution of natural water bodies, the BMC has appealed to mandals and households to immerse idols only in artificial ponds."
He further urged cooperation with the administration by adhering to guidelines issued by the High Court and Pollution Control Boards, aiming to balance tradition with environmental stewardship during this festive period.
