The BMC has taken further measures to ensure the proper immersion of plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols by deepening artificial immersion sites where necessary. These sites will remain operational for two additional days beyond the 11th day of the "Maghi Ganeshotsav" to accommodate any pending immersions. Additionally, the BMC, in coordination with the Mumbai Police, has planned designated routes for the immersion processions to ensure smooth and organised proceedings.
Last Friday, the civic authorities denied permission to Ganpati mandals in Charkop, Kandivli, and Marve Beach to immerse PoP idols, citing a court order. As a result, several Ganesh idols were returned to their pandals instead of being immersed. While the civic body remains firm in its decision to prohibit the immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies, arrangements for artificial lakes have been made wherever necessary to ensure proper immersion. However, some public Ganeshotsav argued that the artificial lakes can accommodate idols up to 5 ft tall. Big idols spanning 15-20 ft in height can scarcely be immersed in artificial ponds.
Considering the demands of the public Ganeshotsav mandals, the BMC has taken steps to deepen the artificial lakes at several key locations. These include the artificial lake in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where idols up to 15 ft in height can be immersed; the Dahisar Sports Foundation's artificial lake, which can accommodate idols up to 6 feet; Maharana Pratap Udyan in Kandivali (East), where idols up to 6 feet can be immersed; and at Kadamwadi Ground, where an artificial lake has been created for idols up to 19 ft. in height.
Dr. Bhagyashree Kapse, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Zone 7, stated that in the areas covering Charkop, Kandivli, Borivali, and Dahisar, only nine Ganesh idols remain to be immersed. The artificial lakes have been deepened based on the size of the idols and other relevant factors. Furthermore, the immersion procession routes have been meticulously planned in coordination with the police administration. In addition, an artificial lake of 30x30 feet has been set up at Bangur Nagar in Goregaon for immersion purposes.
