Navi Mumbai | September 10, 2026
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has created 170 artificial immersion ponds for Ganeshotsav this year, asking residents to use them to reduce pollution in natural water bodies and ease crowding at traditional immersion sites.
According to information released by the civic body, idols measuring up to six feet in height are expected to be immersed in artificial ponds in line with court directions. The corporation has also urged residents to give preference to the artificial facilities for larger idols wherever possible.
The number of artificial ponds has been increased from last year to make immersion facilities available closer to residential areas, the municipal corporation said. Traditional immersion locations in Navi Mumbai attract large crowds during the festival, and the additional facilities are intended to distribute the flow of residents while limiting the impact on natural water sources.
The sites have been identified by the corporation’s administrative zones and engineering department. Construction and preparation work at the ponds is in its final stage, according to the civic body. The announcement does not specify the individual locations or the capacity of each pond.
The municipal corporation has also said that Ganesh festival mandals will not be charged a fee for erecting their pandals. To simplify permissions, it has made an online single-window e-service available for the mandap approval process.
The civic appeal comes as local authorities continue to promote alternatives to immersion in natural water bodies. Residents have been asked to choose Shadu clay idols and other environmentally friendly alternatives, in addition to using artificial ponds for immersion.
Mayor Sujata Patil and Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde have urged citizens and festival organisers to celebrate the festival while protecting the environment. The corporation’s stated objectives are to reduce pressure on traditional immersion points, provide facilities nearer to residents and limit pollution associated with festival immersion.
The civic body’s next steps are to complete the artificial ponds and make the facilities available during the Ganeshotsav immersion period. Further details about the locations and operating arrangements have not been provided in the announcement.
