Ten-day Maghi mandals prepare for visarjan as BMC builds artificial tank

Mumbai: Ten-day Maghi Ganeshotsav idols are set for immersion on Jan 31-Feb 1. Seven-day idols were immersed Jan 28.This year unlike 2025, mandals claim they have not received strict instructions to avoid visarjan in natural water bodies. As a result some are performing immersion at their usual spots like Marve Beach, Gorai and Girgaum Chowpatty. However, the BMC informed TOI that it is building artificial tanks and urged devotees to utilise them.A beautiful confluence occurred when the Charkop cha Peshwa met the Charkop cha Chintamani on the immersion yatra Jan 28. Harshad Jethwa of the Peshwa's mandal said, "We completed our seven-day Maghi Ganeshotsav on Jan 28 at Gorai beach. The event passed off peacefully with no hindrance." Sagar Bamnolikar of Kandivli Cha Shree said they have had a successful season with their Mahabharat theme idol. "We have scheduled our immersion Feb 1 at our regular site of Marve beach," he said.Shekhar Shere of the 10-day Kandivli cha Icchapurti said their 9 ft Ganpati had successfully explored the option of artificial tanks in 2025. "Our idol is just 9 ft which is possible to immerse in artificial ponds. There is one in Sanjay Gandhi National Park and another in Dahanukarwadi. We will decide before Feb 1," he said.BMC officials told TOI that as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on Aug 18, 2025, and the circular dated Aug 26, 2025, artificial ponds will be constructed for the immersion of idols up to six feet in height.According to these SOPs, immersion of coloured chemicals, thermocol, plastic, cloth, flowers, garlands, decorative materials and similar items in water bodies is prohibited. Therefore, public mandals and devotees are being urged to dispose of floral offerings and ritual waste only in designated 'nirmalya kalash' (collection containers).To facilitate smooth immersion, the BMC will set up artificial ponds based on local requirements. Overall, with the objective of celebrating Maghi Ganeshotsav in an environmentally friendly manner and preventing pollution of natural water bodies, the BMC has appealed to mandals and households to immerse idols only in artificial ponds and cooperate with the administration by adhering to the guidelines issued by the High Court and the Pollution Control Boards, said Deputy Commissioner and Ganeshotsav Coordinator Prashant Sapkale.