143 Plastic-Free Immersion Ponds Set Up for a Green Ganeshotsav in Navi Mumbai

Celebrated with enthusiasm across the globe, Ganeshotsav has been declared a “State Festival” by the Chief Minister, highlighting its cultural and emotional importance for citizens. Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), under the guidance of Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, is organising various programs, activities, and public Ganeshotsav competitions to mark the occasion.

Recognising the urgent need to protect the environment, Commissioner Dr. Shinde has been consistently appealing to citizens over the past month to celebrate an eco-friendly and plastic-free Ganeshotsav. This initiative has received a positive response from the public. Citizens are being encouraged to avoid idols made of Plaster of Paris and instead install eco-friendly clay (shadu) idols.

Additionally, immersions should be done in nearby artificial ponds created by the municipal corporation, instead of natural water bodies. Notably, in accordance with court directives and Maharashtra government guidelines, idols up to 6 feet in height must be immersed only in artificial ponds.

Further, NMMC has appealed to citizens and mandals to use sustainable and reusable materials like cloth and paper for decorations instead of plastic or thermocol. Sound systems should operate within permissible noise levels, avoiding loud music and laser lights.

To simplify the process, mandals are not being charged any fee for setting up pandals. A one-window online service is available for obtaining necessary permissions, which has been appreciated by the public.

Taking last year’s experience into account, the number of artificial immersion ponds has been increased to 143 locations this year to ensure immersion spots are available near people’s homes. These locations have been decided by the zonal and engineering departments and construction is now in its final stage. The distribution includes 20 in Belapur, 26 in Nerul, 16 each in Vashi, Turbhe, Koparkhairane, and Ghansoli, 18 in Airoli, and 10 in Digha.

Apart from the 22 traditional immersion points in Navi Mumbai, these artificial ponds help prevent overcrowding at natural sites and significantly reduce pollution of water bodies. With this initiative, Navi Mumbai continues to be recognised not only as a clean city but also as an environmentally responsible one.

To support smooth immersion activities, each immersion site both traditional and artificial, it will be well-equipped with essential arrangements. Volunteers, lifeguards, fire services, electricity, CCTV surveillance, sanitation, drinking water, and health support services will be present. Necessary equipment such as rafts and forklifts will also be available. The NMMC and local police department have made thorough preparations to ensure a safe and peaceful festival.

The NMMC urges all eco-conscious Navi Mumbaikars to install clay idols, conduct immersion preferably at home or at nearby artificial ponds, and celebrate an eco-friendly, plastic-free Ganeshotsav. This is a collective step towards protecting the environment while honoring tradition.

Here’s the detailed list of all artificial immersion pond locations in Navi Mumbai for Ganeshotsav 2025, categorised by division:

Navi Mumbai 2025: Artificial Immersion Pond Locations

As per the official announcement by NMMC, 143 artificial ponds have been constructed across the city to facilitate eco-friendly and plastic-free Ganesh visarjan (mid‑September) .

Also Read: Ganeshotsav 2025: Mumbai Police Beefs Up Security As Nearly 17,000 Cops Deployed Across City

Belapur Department