In order to control the crowd during the upcoming Ganesh Utsav amid the COVID-19 crisis, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has created 135 artificial ponds for the immersion of idols. These ponds are located close to the traditional ponds, which have been used for idol immersions for several years.
The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi is starting from August 22.
The civic body had held two meetings with all stakeholders to go over the preparations for Ganesh Utsav against the backdrop of COVID 19 and has decided to create many artificial ponds to prevent people from gathering in one place.
The NMMC has 23 traditional ponds that are used for idol immersion, be it is Ganesh Utsav or any other festival. Of the 23 immersion sites, five are in Belapur, two in Nerul, two in Vashi, three in Turbhe, three in Koparkhairane, four in Ghansoli, three in Airoli, and one in Digha. At all these places, volunteers and lifeguards will be deployed.
In addition, the civic body has created 135 artificial ponds across the city. “There will be similar arrangements at these locations also,” said Abhijit Bangar, municipal commissioner.
Of these 135 artificial ponds, 15 ponds are in Belapur, 27 in Nerul, 16 in Vashi, 17 in Turbhe, 14 in Koparkhairane, 17 in Ghansoli, 22 in Airoli, and 7 in the Digha ward have been created.
"We will put up enough hoardings to locate these ponds. In addition, the civic body will also use social media and official websites to inform people about ponds location," added Bangar.
“Each immersion site will have an alternative arrangement with a generator with an adequate electrical system as well as the first aid room. Drinking water will be to the citizens coming at the immersion sites and a facility platform is also being set up,” said Bangar.
The Solid Waste Management Department has also made two separate Nirmalya Kalash for wet and dry Nirmala (offerings) at all the immersion sites and separate containers are also being arranged for the prasada fruits. These prasad materials and fruits will be distributed to needy children and citizens.
In order to maintain the sanctity of offerings, the civic body has arranged for separate vehicles for regular Nirmala to the Turbhe processing unit where these offerings will be processed separately.
Meanwhile, there will be no immersion sites in containment zones. The civic body will collect all idols at the entrance of the containment zones and immerse them properly.
