With an aim to celebrate ‘Shri Ganeshotsav 2023' in an eco-friendly manner, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has arranged for the organized immersion of Lord Ganesha idols at immersion sites. In addition to 22 natural immersion sites, the civic body has constructed 141 artificial immersion ponds across various departments.

This has been done to avoid overcrowding by citizens, prevent water pollution and promote eco-friendly celebrations of Ganeshotsav, thereby providing a large number of immersion sites for Lord Ganesha idols.

As per the directives given by the Maharashtra Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, it has been decided not to levy any charges whatsoever for the construction of mandaps during the Ganeshotsav festival. This decision was announced by the NMMC's municipal commissioner. This decision has been warmly welcomed by all the Ganeshotsav committees.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation introduced an online facility for applying for permissions to erect mandaps for Ganeshotsav. To facilitate this process, special offices were established in each department for mandap permission applications. As a result, permissions have been granted to a total of 185 mandals, with 28 in the Belapur. 24 in Nerul, 17 in Vashi, 21 in Turbhe, 48 in Koparkhairane, 10 in Ghansoli, 27 in Airoli, and 10 in Digha.

Last year, there was an excellent response from the citizens to the immersion of idols in artificial ponds. As a result, this year, in response to citizens' requests, 7 new artificial immersion ponds have been constructed. In the previous year, a significant number of idols were immersed in artificial ponds, showcasing the environmental awareness of the citizens of Navi Mumbai.

Under the ‘Majhi Vasundhara’ campaign by the Maharashtra government, Navi Mumbai has been recognized as the first-ranked environmentally friendly city among 'C Class' Municipal Corporations in the state. In this recognition, Navi Mumbai stands out as a city with aware citizens who place a high value on environmental concerns. This awareness plays a crucial role in curbing water pollution by promoting the immersion of Lord Ganesha idols in artificial lakes. NMMC Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar has issued this important call to action.

In addition to this, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has already installed gabion walls in approximately 30 percent of the 14 main lake reservoirs to prevent water pollution in the lakes. The call to immerse Ganesh idols in these specific areas has received a positive response from the outset.

A total of 141 artificial immersion ponds have been constructed across all eight divisions to manage the crowd and prevent overcrowding at immersion sites. These ponds are distributed as follows - 19 in Belapur, 26 in Nerul, 16 in Vashi, 17 in Turbhe, 15 in Koparkhairane, 21 in Ghansoli, 18 in Airoli, and 9 in Digha.

The immersion of Lord Ganesha idols will take place over one and a half days at a total of 163 immersion sites, including 22 traditional sites and 141 artificial ones. Last year, 9,077 idols of Lord Ganesha were immersed during the one-and-a-half-day immersion period.

In accordance with this, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, along with all its departments, as well as relevant police departments, MSEDCL, and similar authorities, have been directed to coordinate closely and carry out appropriate measures to ensure that the Ganeshotsav festival proceeds smoothly in an organized manner.

The following arrangements have been put in place:

·        Self-help volunteers have been organized at all 163 immersion sites, including natural and artificial ones.

·        CCTV surveillance systems have been deployed for security and proper management.

·        Adequate electrical arrangements, including generators, have been made at all locations.

·        Medical teams are stationed at 22 immersion sites near urban health centres. Along with that, self-help volunteers and lifeguards from relevant department offices are actively involved in ensuring safety. Fire fighting teams are also present.

·        Public announcements and important information are being provided through loudspeakers at the main immersion sites.

·        Special arrangements have been made for the disposal of offerings at all natural immersion sites, including an increase in the size of immersion ponds as per the instructions of the Commissioner.

·        Bhavikas (individuals who collect offerings from the water bodies) have been instructed not to dispose of any materials in water bodies, and separate facilities have been set up for the disposal of offerings.

·        The immersion of kalash (pots) in water bodies is allowed for environmental cleanliness, and designated areas for kalash immersion have been set up with separate arrangements for their transportation.

·        The police department has made necessary legal and security arrangements.