NMMC Sets Up 26 Artificial Ponds for Eco-Friendly Maghi Ganesh Utsav Idol Immersion
In an effort to promote eco-friendly celebrations during Maghi Ganesh Utsav, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has established 26 artificial ponds across the city for the safe immersion of Ganesh idols. This initiative aims to prevent pollution of natural water bodies and ensure compliance with recent legal directives regarding Plaster of Paris (PoP) idol immersion.
The artificial immersion ponds have been strategically set up in areas including Digha, Airoli, Ghansoli, Koparkhairane, Turbhe, Vashi, Nerul, and Belapur. These designated spots will accommodate both PoP and clay (Shadu) idols, making it convenient for devotees to celebrate the festival responsibly. “This initiative is in line with the High Court’s order dated January 30, 2025, which strictly prohibits the sale of PoP idols and bans their immersion in lakes, rivers, and other natural water bodies,” stated an NMMC official. The court order aims to mitigate the environmental damage caused by non-biodegradable materials that contaminate aquatic ecosystems during traditional immersion practices.
To ensure smooth and regulated idol immersion, the NMMC has assigned Assistant Commissioners and Department Officers to oversee the operations at each site. Additionally, Deputy Commissioners from both city zones will supervise the process to maintain order and ensure compliance with environmental norms. “We urge all citizens to support this eco-friendly initiative by immersing their idols only in the designated artificial ponds. This small step can make a significant impact in preserving Navi Mumbai’s water bodies,” added the official.
List of Artificial Immersion Ponds in Navi Mumbai:
Digha Ward (4 Ponds):
Near Khokad Pond
Near Ganpatipada Petrol Pump
Manubhai Ground
Near Ravli Mill
Airoli Ward (3 Ponds):
Diva Pond, near Sector 9
Airoli Naka Pond, near Sector 1
Khadi Pond, near Sector 20
Ghansoli Ward (4 Ponds):
Near Rabale Pond
Near Gunali Pond
Near Khadan Pond (Rajiv Gandhi Pond)
Near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Pond
Koparkhairane Ward (3 Ponds):
Dharan Pond, near Sector 19
Near Mahape Pond
Mahape School Ground
Turbhe Ward (3 Ponds):
Near Koprigaon Pond
Near Turbhegaon Pond
Near Khokad Pond, Sanpada
Vashi Ward (2 Ponds):
Vashi Pond, near Sector 7
Juhugaon, near Sector 12
Nerul Ward (2 Ponds):
Chincholi Pond, near Shiravane-Juinagar
Near Nerul Gaon Pond
Belapur Ward (5 Ponds):
Near Agroli Pond
Near Belapur Gaon Pond
Near Karave Pond
Near Darave Pond
Near Diwale Jetty
NMMC’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability while respecting religious sentiments. As the Maghi Ganesh Utsav approaches, the civic body appeals to citizens to embrace eco-friendly practices, ensuring that festivities do not come at the cost of the city’s natural resources.
