67 Natural Sites and 383 Artificial Ponds Ready for Major Immersion Days

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped up safety, public facilities, and environmental measures across Mumbai as the city prepares for the major Ganpati visarjan days. With large crowds expected on the fifth, seventh, and 10th days of the festival, civic officials have been directed to ensure that immersion sites remain safe, clean, and well managed.

Mumbai has 67 natural immersion locations, including beaches, rivers, and lakes, along with 383 artificial immersion ponds this year. The number of artificial ponds has increased significantly from 258 locations last year, giving devotees more options for safe and convenient immersion.

BMC Focuses on Safety at Major Visarjan Locations

BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide reviewed preparations at Swarajyabhoomi at Girgaon Chowpatty and Dadar Chowpatty, two of Mumbai's important natural immersion sites.

Officials have been instructed to maintain observation towers, rafts, steel plates along immersion routes, and nirmalya collection bins in proper working condition. Adequate numbers of trained lifeguards and rafts will also be deployed according to crowd requirements.

The civic body has also been asked to maintain sufficient lighting, drinking water facilities, and public toilets so devotees can complete the immersion process comfortably.

Free Crane Facilities for Large Ganpati Idols

Special attention is being given to the immersion of larger Ganpati idols. BMC officials have been directed to provide free crane facilities to help devotees and Ganpati mandals carry out immersion in a safer and more organized manner.

The arrangements are particularly important as the final day of the 10-day Ganeshotsav traditionally attracts very large crowds and includes the immersion of several large public Ganpati idols.

More Nirmalya Bins to Support Clean Visarjan

The BMC is also strengthening its environmental measures during the festival. Officials have been instructed to increase the availability of nirmalya collection bins at immersion locations.

Devotees are being encouraged to place flowers and other religious offerings in designated bins instead of disposing of them in the sea or nearby areas. The initiative aims to keep Mumbai's beaches and surrounding areas cleaner while supporting environmentally responsible celebrations.

More Than 61,000 Idols Immersed on Festival's Second Day

The scale of the festival was visible on the second day, when 61,640 Ganpati idols were immersed across Mumbai, including 301 idols belonging to public Ganpati mandals. The figure was slightly higher than the number recorded on the corresponding day last year, according to data available until midnight.

Ganeshotsav began on September 14 and will continue through September 25. Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the festival, is expected to see the highest number of immersions.

Agencies Asked to Coordinate for Smooth Visarjan

With major immersion days approaching, the BMC has emphasized close coordination among all agencies involved in the arrangements. Officials have been asked to monitor facilities continuously and respond quickly to crowd and safety requirements.

The focus remains on providing devotees with safe immersion facilities while keeping public areas clean and supporting eco-friendly Ganpati celebrations across Mumbai.