Mumbai: During Ganeshotsav 2024, Mumbai has observed a notable shift in idol immersion practices, with a 7% increase in the use of artificial ponds for the “1.5-day Visarjan” ceremony. According to the latest figures from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), 48% of the Ganesh idols were immersed in manmade water bodies this year. As of midnight on Sunday, September 8, a total of 62,569 idols had been immersed, with 30,177 of these being submerged in artificial ponds.
Breaking down the figures, the majority of the immersions—98% of those in artificial ponds—were household idols. The total included 62,197 household idols, 348 community idols, and 24 Hartalika idols. Notably, there was a 20% increase in community idol immersions this year, indicating a growing trend towards larger communal celebrations. Despite this rise in artificial pond usage, the overall number of idol immersions has declined compared to last year. In 2023, Mumbai saw 65,684 idols immersed after the 1.5-day period, with 27,290 idols (41.5%) being immersed in manmade ponds. This percentage decreased to 37% on the final day of Visarjan last year. The reduction in total immersions this year might be attributed to a preference for metal idols or private immersions at home.
In contrast to Mumbai, the Panvel Municipal Corporation reported a lower percentage of idol immersions in artificial lakes. Out of 8,624 total immersions in Panvel, only 1,222 took place in man-made lakes, accounting for just 14% of the total. The BMC has continued to innovate in its approach to managing idol immersions. This year, the number of artificial ponds increased to 204, a 7% rise from the 191 ponds constructed in 2023. The new ponds feature an improved design using aluminium sheets and plastic liners, which eliminates the need for digging and reduces costs to one-third of previous expenses. These ponds were strategically placed in public parks and residential areas to accommodate the increased number of immersions.
By 3 am, the total number of idols immersed had risen to over 66,000. This figure includes 65,894 household idols, 420 community idols, and 25 Hartalika idols. In addition to the BMC’s man-made ponds, 30,241 household idols and 251 community idols were submerged in these newly constructed facilities. The enhancements in artificial pond infrastructure and the increased use of these facilities highlight Mumbai’s ongoing efforts to manage the environmental impact of Ganeshotsav celebrations while accommodating growing participation in the festival.
