The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has expanded preparations for Ganeshotsav 2026, with free crane services for large idol immersions, more artificial immersion ponds for smaller idols and additional civic facilities planned at key sites across Mumbai.
Additional Municipal Commissioner for the Eastern Suburbs Dr Avinash Dhakne inspected immersion locations in Mumbai City, the western suburbs and the eastern suburbs on Sunday to review arrangements for devotees, workers and public Ganesh mandals. The BMC said its preparations are aimed at ensuring safe and smooth immersion while improving cleanliness and encouraging environmentally friendly practices.
During the inspection at Chowpatty Swarajyabhoomi and Dadar, officials reviewed observation towers, rafts, nirmalya collection pots and other facilities required during the immersion process. Steel plates installed along procession routes were also inspected to ensure that Ganesh processions can move without obstruction.
Dr Dhakne directed officials to pay particular attention to safety during the immersion of idols and to ensure that the process is completed smoothly. The inspection covered facilities for devotees as well as operational arrangements required by civic workers at the immersion sites.
At Juhu beach, officials were instructed to take steps to keep the shoreline clean during the festival. The civic administration also directed officials to increase the number of artificial immersion ponds for smaller Ganesh idols. These ponds are intended to provide devotees with additional local facilities while reducing pressure on natural water bodies.
The inspection in the eastern suburbs covered the Ganesh Ghat and Pawarwadi Ghat at Powai Lake. Dr Dhakne directed officials to provide free crane facilities at these locations for the immersion of large Ganesh idols. He also instructed the civic administration to ensure adequate lighting at immersion sites for the safety of devotees and workers.
The BMC has further ordered an increase in the number of nirmalya collection pots at immersion locations. Devotees will be encouraged to place flowers and other religious offerings in the designated containers instead of disposing of them elsewhere. The civic body plans to conduct awareness campaigns and issue appeals regarding the collection and proper disposal of nirmalya.
Free crane services are already provided by the BMC at designated immersion sites. Dr Dhakne directed officials to inform sarvajanik Ganesh mandals about the facility and encourage them to use it during the immersion process. The arrangement is intended to support the handling of large idols at locations where cranes have been designated for civic use.
The BMC said officials have been instructed to implement the measures effectively and ensure that devotees do not face inconvenience during the festival. The civic administration’s preparations will cover safety facilities, lighting, immersion infrastructure, sanitation, nirmalya collection and the operation of artificial immersion ponds at designated locations.
