143 Plastic-Free Immersion Ponds Set Up for a Green Ganeshotsav in Navi Mumbai

Celebrated with enthusiasm across the globe, Ganeshotsav has been declared a “State Festival” by the Chief Minister, highlighting its cultural and emotional importance for citizens. The Municipal Corporation, under the guidance of the Commissioner, is organising various programs, activities, and public Ganeshotsav competitions to mark the occasion.

Recognising the urgent need to protect the environment, the Commissioner has been consistently appealing to citizens over the past month to celebrate an eco-friendly and plastic-free Ganeshotsav. This initiative has received a positive response from the public. Citizens are being encouraged to avoid idols made of Plaster of Paris and instead install eco-friendly clay (shadu) idols.

Additionally, immersions should be done in nearby artificial ponds created by the municipal corporation, instead of natural water bodies. Notably, in accordance with court directives and government guidelines, idols up to 6 feet in height must be immersed only in artificial ponds.

Further, an appeal has been made to citizens and mandals to use sustainable and reusable materials like cloth and paper for decorations instead of plastic or thermocol. Sound systems should operate within permissible noise levels, avoiding loud music and laser lights.

To simplify the process, mandals are not being charged any fee for setting up pandals. A one-window online service is available for obtaining necessary permissions, which has been appreciated by the public.

Taking last year’s experience into account, the number of artificial immersion ponds has been increased to 143 locations this year to ensure immersion spots are available near people’s homes. These locations have been decided by the zonal and engineering departments and construction is now in its final stage. The distribution includes 20 in Belapur, 26 in Nerul, 16 each in Vashi, Turbhe, Koparkhairane, and Ghansoli, 18 in Airoli, and 10 in Digha.

Apart from the 22 traditional immersion points in Navi Mumbai, these artificial ponds help prevent overcrowding at natural sites and significantly reduce pollution of water bodies. With this initiative, Navi Mumbai continues to be recognised not only as a clean city but also as an environmentally responsible one.

To support smooth immersion activities, each immersion site both traditional and artificial, it will be well-equipped with essential arrangements. Volunteers, lifeguards, fire services, electricity, CCTV surveillance, sanitation, drinking water, and health support services will be present. Necessary equipment such as rafts and forklifts will also be available. Thorough preparations have been made to ensure a safe and peaceful festival.

An appeal has been made to all eco-conscious citizens to install clay idols, conduct immersion preferably at home or at nearby artificial ponds, and celebrate an eco-friendly, plastic-free Ganeshotsav. This is a collective step towards protecting the environment while honoring tradition.

Here’s the detailed list of all artificial immersion pond locations in Navi Mumbai for Ganeshotsav, categorised by division:

Navi Mumbai: Artificial Immersion Pond Locations

As per the official announcement, 143 artificial ponds have been constructed across the city to facilitate eco-friendly and plastic-free Ganesh visarjan.

Belapur Department

Sr. No.	Artificial Pond Location
1	Yashwantrao Chavan Ground, Sector 19A, Nerul
2	Open ground in front of Ganesh Temple near Darave Lake, Darave Village
3	Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Garden, Sector 40, Nerul
4	Inside Radha Krishna Garden, Sector 25, Nerul
5	Open ground near MES School and D/51 house, Ganeshotsav Ganeshotsav is a vibrant ten-day Hindu festival celebrating the elephant-headed deity Lord Ganesha. It was popularized as a public community event by Indian freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak in 1893 to foster unity and nationalism against British colonial rule. The festival involves the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pavilions, culminating in their immersion in a body of water. State Festival I am not familiar with a specific cultural site or permanent place known as the “State Festival.” This term is more commonly used as a general descriptor for festivals that are sponsored by or represent a particular state or region. For example, many states host their own annual fairs or cultural celebrations, but these are events rather than physical locations. Plaster of Paris “Plaster of Paris” is not a place or cultural site, but a building material made from gypsum. Its name originates from the large gypsum deposits found in the Montmartre district of Paris, France, which have been mined since antiquity. This material has been historically significant for creating casts, sculptures, and decorative elements in art and architecture. artificial ponds Artificial ponds are human-made bodies of water, historically created for practical purposes like irrigation, water storage, or fish farming. They have evolved to also serve decorative and recreational roles, often being central features in gardens, parks, and estates across various cultures. Navi Mumbai Navi Mumbai (New Bombay) is a planned satellite city of Mumbai, established in 1972 to ease population density and support the urban expansion of its larger neighbor. It was systematically developed with modern infrastructure, distinct sectors, and extensive green spaces. Today, it stands as a major residential and commercial hub, known for its organized layout in contrast to the older, more congested parts of Mumbai. Belapur Belapur Fort is a historic hill fort located in Navi Mumbai, India, built by the Siddis in the 16th century. It was later captured and modified by the Portuguese and then the Maratha Empire, serving as a strategic military outpost. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its ruins, panoramic views, and historical significance. Nerul Nerul is a planned satellite township in Navi Mumbai, India, developed starting in the 1970s by CIDCO to ease population pressure on Mumbai. It is known for its organized residential sectors, educational institutions, and the grand ISKCON temple, Shri Sri Radha Rasabihariji Mandir. Vashi Vashi is a major node of Navi Mumbai, a planned satellite city of Mumbai, India, developed starting in the 1970s to ease population density. It is known for its modern infrastructure, organized residential sectors, and as a prominent commercial and transportation hub. Source Related news Azan played during school assembly in Mumbai, parents protest 0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 80% Mumbai, An inc... What is in the CAG report about BMC in the Mumbai Civic Body Scam? Watch the video 0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 80% 00:00 00:00 More ... “ED raids close aide of Uddhav in Mumbai; workers express anger over action” Mumbai: ED Conducts Raids on Close Associate of Ud... Enjoy affordable shopping this festive season, from Delhi to Chennai: here are India’s top 10 markets. Delhi Janpath India, where every season is adorned... China saved India’s enemy, prevented 26/11 attack accused from being declared a global terrorist India-US proposal to designate as global terrorist...