The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has clarified that fitness certificates are not mandatory for large Ganesh idols, including those weighing more than one tonne, ahead of Ganeshotsav 2026.
The clarification follows reports and social media messages claiming that Ganeshotsav mandals would have to obtain fitness certificates for heavy idols. Some reports also suggested that idol makers and mandals would be required to maintain detailed records tracking an idol from its construction to its delivery.
The BMC has denied both claims, stating that no such instructions or mandatory requirements have been introduced or finalised.
🔷श्री गणेशमूर्तींसाठी स्थैर्यता प्रमाणपत्र (Fitness Certificate) अनिवार्य करणे तसेच मूर्तीच्या जडणघडणीपासून ते वितरणापर्यंतची संपूर्ण माहिती ठेवणे बंधनकारक असल्याचे वृत्त विविध समाजमाध्यमांवर प्रसारित होत आहे.
तथापी, बृहन्मुंबई महानगरपालिकेकडून अशा प्रकारचे कोणतेही निर्देश…
— माझी mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) August 26, 2026
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, the civic body said reports claiming that a fitness certificate would be compulsory for Ganesh idols were incorrect.
The BMC also clarified that it has not decided to introduce a weight-based certification system for Ganesh idols. Therefore, there is currently no requirement for mandals to obtain a fitness certificate for idols weighing over one tonne.
The civic administration urged Ganeshotsav committees, devotees and citizens to avoid believing or forwarding unverified information circulating on social media and other platforms.
The BMC has also rejected reports of a proposed system under which complete information about a Ganesh idol would have to be maintained from the time it was made until it reached the concerned mandal.
According to the civic body, no directive has been issued requiring idol makers or Ganeshotsav committees to maintain such records.
The clarification comes amid reports that authorities were considering a broader safety framework for the transportation and arrival of large Ganesh idols following the recent Bhuleshwar idol accident.
Although the BMC has denied introducing mandatory certification and record-keeping requirements, it has stressed the importance of safety during Ganesh idol arrival processions.
Ganeshotsav mandals have been asked to coordinate with the Mumbai Police, traffic authorities and the BMC while planning the transportation and arrival of idols. Such coordination is aimed at ensuring smoother traffic management and reducing safety risks during the festival.
The civic administration has also emphasised the need for organisers to take appropriate precautions while arranging idol transportation and related activities.
With preparations for Ganeshotsav 2026 underway, the BMC has urged organisers and devotees to rely on official communications rather than unverified social media posts or reports.
At present, the civic body has made it clear that there is no mandatory fitness certificate for Ganesh idols weighing more than one tonne and no compulsory system requiring idols to be tracked from construction through delivery.
The BMC has nevertheless advised Ganeshotsav committees to prioritise safety, coordinate with the relevant authorities and follow official instructions during idol arrival and festival-related activities.