BMC issues clarification regarding immersion of ganpati idols in the sea

Reports about the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) placing a ban on Ganpati Visarjan at the sea, were doing rounds on social media. However, in a recent announcement, officials from the BMC have cleared the rumour and rejected the reports, stating that no such ban was made.

ANI shared the report on Twitter with a message that read, "Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) denies social media reports that it has prohibited Ganpati immersion in the sea. BMC clarifies that it has not banned any immersion in the sea though it has constructed 167 artificial ponds for idol immersion."

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) denies social media reports that it has prohibited Ganpati immersion in the sea. BMC clarifies that it has not banned any immersion in the sea though it has constructed 167 artificial ponds for idol immersion. pic.twitter.com/3Zro1E8Goc

— ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2020

Keeping the coronavirus outbreak in mind, the municipal corporation has certainly placed some limits to ensure safety during Ganeshotsav. As per the guidelines issues, citizens who live with 2 km area, near the sea, will be allowed to immerse the idols there. However, those who live away should used the artificial lakes and centres organised by the BMC.

As per recent reports, 167 artificial ponds have been created in the city, in comparison to the 32 created last year. The decision was taken to ensure social distancing is maintained by the citizens during the festivities. 

An order released by the BMC earlier in July this year cleared that citizens who live in containment zones can immerse the idols in metallic tanks which will be organised within the zones and people living in sealed buildings should immerse the idols are home itself. Further, only 10 members will be allowed from a mandal and 5 members if the Visarjan is of a home-based idol.

This year, Ganeshotsav will be celebrated across the country on Saturday, August 22, 2020. The festival is celebrated in Maharashtra for 10 days and idols are immersed on some of these days.