28 September,2026 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
The iconic Maha Ganapati idol being lowered by a crane for immersion in the Powai lake at Hiranandani Gardens. PIC/Uday Devrukhkar
Andheri, Bhandup, and Girgaon have emerged as the top three civic wards in the collection of post-immersion idols and related material during Ganeshotsav this year, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) transporting 2,754.85 metric tonnes (MT) of material in 707 vehicle trips between September 16 and 27.
Kiran Dighavkar, deputy municipal commissioner, solid waste management, BMC, said that the civic body had transported the material retrieved after idol immersion as part of its post-immersion management exercise. "The largest movement was recorded on September 26, when 510.92 metric tonnes were transported through 131 trips. Among the wards, K West (Andheri) recorded the highest tonnage at 314.82 MT, followed by S (Bhandup) at 253.58 MT and D (Malabar Hill, Grant Road, Girgaon, Cumballa Hill) at 249.43 MT. The operation was undertaken in compliance with the applicable directions of the Hon'ble Bombay HC and the recommendations of the CPCB Expert Committee. These require material deposited in designated artificial immersion ponds to be removed and stored in an environmentally sound manner until it is taken up for regeneration, recycling or reuse,: said Kiran Dighavkar.
The BMC had issued a citywide Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) covering the retrieval, transportation, documentation and temporary storage of the material. Ward-level teams handled the removal of immersed idols, while clean and covered vehicles were used for transportation. Vehicle-wise weights were recorded at weighbridges, with ward-wise records, photographs and daily progress reports maintained during the operation.
Dighavkar said the retrieval was particularly important in the case of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. "PoP does not dissolve naturally in the manner of traditional clay. If post-immersion material is allowed to remain in artificial ponds or enter natural water bodies, it can affect water quality, obstruct the reuse of immersion ponds and subsequently appear as remnants along water bodies and beaches. Timely retrieval is, therefore, an essential post-immersion environmental responsibility," added Dighavkar.
The large volume of material also poses an operational challenge, with PoP idols becoming wet and fragile after immersion. He added, "After immersion, PoP idols become wet, fragile, and may partially disintegrate, loading, transportation, and unloading. Considering the large volume involved, mechanical assistance is needed."
The material collected at the designated Mulund temporary storage facility is being consolidated pending scientific recycling and reuse. The BMC has also invited expressions of interest to identify suitable recycling technologies. "The BMC remains committed to respecting religious sentiments while simultaneously fulfilling its legal and environmental responsibilities," added Dighavkar.
Two friends who had been participating in a Ganeshotsav mandal all their lives did not return home to their families on Sunday, September 27, after allegedly succumbing to suspected chemical fumes while using a public toilet near Goregaon's Ichchapurti Pandal in Ram Mandir East. Locals alleged that the adjoining chemical unit had been operating illegally for the last 10 to 15 years.
The two deceased friends, Bhavin Desai (left) and Prabhakar Dhiwar; Officials inspect the public toilet. Pic/Satej Shinde
The victims were identified as Prabhakar Dhiwar, 24, a local nut-bolt business employee whose birthday was just days away on September 30, and Bhavin Desai, 18, an ITI welding student from Saphale who was staying at his cousin's residence for the seven-day festival. Desai's mother was expecting him home Sunday morning with bhakri-bhaji prepared, while Dhiwar is survived by his parents and three siblings.
Vanrai police registered an Accidental Death Report, with an FIR in the process on Sunday afternoon. Officials said the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and firefighters were assisting the probe. Friends and relatives alleged a delay in the postmortem and said police asked them to wait for the report before registering the FIR. Locals suspected the fumes came from a nearby metal plating workshop.
