The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has appealed to residents to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly manner. The civic body has shared detailed guidelines to reduce environmental harm.
Here are the guidelines:
1. To limit water pollution, the BMC has recommended using natural clay (Shadu Mati) idols, smaller idol sizes, and symbolic immersions at home.
2. Devotees have been asked to avoid Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, chemical paints, and non-biodegradable decorations.
3. For public Ganesh Mandals, the BMC launched an online slot booking system to manage immersion schedules and prevent crowding at artificial and natural immersion sites.
4. Residents are encouraged to immerse idols in artificial ponds or at home, especially small idols, to reduce pressure on rivers, lakes, and the sea.
5. The civic body introduced a one-window online system for pandal authorisation. Since the portal opened on July 21, more than 1,150 mandals have received permission to set up pandals.
6. The BMC has also planned the collection and segregation of nirmalya (floral offerings). Compostable items will be separated from non-biodegradable waste. Residents are asked to assist waste management teams during the festival.
7. Organisers have been advised to maintain orderly processions. The BMC asked organisers to work with the Mumbai Police for traffic and crowd management and to be careful when using loudspeakers.
8. Authorities have asked that noise levels be controlled, and vehicles and floats must follow safety rules.
9. Devotees have been asked to place flowers, garlands, and other organic offerings in marked nirmalya collection bins at immersion sites. City gardens will benefit from composted offerings. Non-biodegradable materials should be disposed of separately.
10. The BMC’s notification stressed compliance with Supreme Court and High Court orders. Residents must avoid actions that could harm the environment or public health.
The authorities have also made several efforts. The BMC distributed over 990 tonnes of clay to sculptors across the city. More than 1,025 sculptors have been given freedom to build pandals without practical limits.
Volunteers from public mandals received emergency management training. Over 1,000 volunteers were trained in disaster preparedness, crowd control, and first aid. Demonstrations of effective emergency response were also conducted.
Additionally, 10,800 litres of natural colors, including 7,800 litres of eco-friendly paint and 3,000 litres of eco-primer, have been provided on a trial basis. Comprehensive instructions, immersion site locations, and online slot booking links are available on the BMC website.
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