In a concerted effort to protect the city's precious lakes and promote eco-friendly practices, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has unveiled plans for forty two dedicated locations across the city where residents can immerse their domestic Ganesha idols without adversely impacting the environment. These artificial immersion sites aim to reduce the strain on natural bodies of water, preserving Thane's ecological balance. Thane's Municipal Commissioner, Abhijit Bangar, has urged citizens to embrace these eco-friendly alternatives and avoid digging holes in the ground for immersion.

Every year, the immersion of Ganesha idols occurs on various auspicious days, including the one and a half day, fifth day, seventh day, ninth day, and Anantachaturdashi. To alleviate overcrowding at traditional immersion ghats and encourage eco-conscious practices, the municipal corporation has introduced these artificial immersion tanks at forty two different locations, including residential complexes and urban areas.

Manisha Pradhan, Chief Environment Officer, stated that the artificial tanks can accommodate Ganesha idols up to two feet in height. “This initiative is a significant step toward reducing the environmental impact of Ganesha immersions while ensuring that religious traditions are preserved”.

The designated immersion sites include the following locations:

Under Uthalsar Ward Committee:

- Rustamji 1

- Rustamji 2 (Attire Building)

- Parulekar Maidan

- Siddeshwar Tank

- Runwalnagar Near Nageshwar Mandira

- Near Parmarth Niketan

- Near TMC Main Hall

Under Kalwa Ward Committee:

- 90 Feet Road, Kalwa

- Sahyadri School

- Saiba Sports City, Manishanagar

- Kharegaon Naka Police Chowki Ground, Kalwa East

Under Diva Ward Committee:

- BSUP Diva

- My City Diva Ward Committee

- Kalyanphata Health Centre

- Arihant Aarohi, Kalyan Shil Road

- Diva Mahotsav Maidan, Diva Shil Road

Under Naupada Ward Committee:

- Raheja Complex

- Kashish Park

- Sadguru Garden

- Bara Bungalow, Kopri

- Gawdevi Maidan, Kopri

Under Majivada Ward Committee:

- Spring Hill Society Wagholi to Saraswati School Road

- Vijayanagi Annex

- Lodha Luxury, Majivada

- Urban Park Garden

- Highland Ground

Under Mumbra Ward Committee:

- Mumbreshwar Shankar Mandir Premises

Under Lokmanyanagar Ward Committee:

- Lokmanya Nagar Bus Stop

- Laxmi Park- Phase 1- Siddhivinayak Udyan Premises

- Acharya Atre Marg Kosaras Nakshatra Complex Premises

- Dosti Vihar Complex Premises

- P.L. Deshpande Marg Runwal Plaza Premises

Under Vartaknagar Parbhag Committee:

- Vasantvihar Club House

- Samtanagar Welfare Centre

- Near Pawarnagar Bus Stop

- Swami Vivekananda Mhada Colony

- Siddanchal Complex Near Elite Garden

Under Wagle Ward Committee:

- Road No. 22 NEAR NEPTUNE COMPANY

- Road No. 22 Immersion Tank near the passport office

- Srinagar near the water tank

- Srinagar in front of Ayyappa temple

- Ambikanagar near Hindustan Hotel

Additionally, the Municipal Corporation has constructed artificial ponds at various locations, further easing the immersion process. These locations include:

- Borivade Village - Cosmos Ritupark

- Bayer House - Kolshet

- Rewale Lake - Majivada

- Gholainagar Kalwa East - Kharegaon Lake

- New Shivaji Nagar - Kalwa

- Masunda Lake Dutt Ghat - Naupada

- Ghosale Lake

- Artificial Lake - Uthalsar

- Upvan Lake Payaladevi Temple

- Neelkanth Greens- Vartaknagar Ward Committee

- Railadevi 1- Railadevi - 2 – Wagle Estate

- Khidkali Lake- Mumbra

- Dativali Lake- Diva

Moreover, Murti Swikriti Kendras (Idol Acceptance Centres) have been established at several locations for the convenience of residents. These centres are:

- Madhavi House

- Ram Maruti Road

- Mahagiri Koliwada

- Tembhi Naka – Naupada

- Jail Pond- Uthalsar

- Devdaya Nagar Shivaji Nagar- Vartaknagar

- Kamgar Hospital- Lokmanyanagar

- Kisannagar Bus Stop

- Modela Check Naka – Wagle Estate Ward Committee

- Regency Heights Azadnagar

- Lodha Luxuria – Majivada

Commissioner Abhijit Bangar emphasised that citizens should actively cooperate with the Municipal Corporation by using these designated artificial lakes, tanks, and acceptance centres to ensure an eco-friendly Ganesha immersion process. This initiative aligns with Thane's commitment to preserving its pristine natural environment for generations to come.