Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) successfully conducted the immersion of 14,318 Lord Ganesh idols and 2,230 Gauri idols across 189 immersion points as part of its well-planned arrangements during the festival.

The immersion ceremony, held along with Gauri idols, concluded peacefully at 22 natural and 156 artificial immersion ponds set up by the civic body. The coordinated efforts of NMMC officials, volunteers, lifeguards, fire brigade personnel and police ensured smooth proceedings at all locations.

NMMC Mayor Sujata Patil and Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde had appealed to citizens to celebrate an eco-friendly and plastic-free Ganeshotsav. Responding positively, citizens immersed 2,598 Shadu clay idols, promoting environmental conservation. Citizens who installed Shadu idols were honoured with ‘Environment Friend’ appreciation certificates signed by the Mayor, civic officials and the Commissioner.

The civic body also received a positive response to the appeal urging citizens to immerse idols below six feet in height only in artificial ponds, as per the High Court’s guidelines.

The largest number of immersions were recorded in Ghansoli and Koparkhairane divisions. Adequate arrangements, including rafts for large idols, medical teams, lighting facilities, generators and safety personnel, were made at major immersion spots.

Separate collection facilities were provided for wet and dry nirmalya (floral offerings), which were collected and scientifically processed at the NMMC facility in Turbhe.

The civic body thanked residents for their cooperation in maintaining Navi Mumbai’s image as a clean city and urged them to continue adopting environmentally responsible practices during future festivals.