10 September,2026 10:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mayor Ritu Tawde directs BMC to ensure faster, safer idol immersion during Ganeshotsav 2026 (Pic/Special arrangement)
With Ganeshotsav 2026 set to begin in a few days' time, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Thursday inspected the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) preparations for Ganesh idol immersion across the city.
Tawde during the inspection also directed the civic officials to ensure devotees and Ganesh mandals do not face inconvenience.
During the inspection on Thursday, September 10, the Mumbai mayor said that the arrangements made by the civic administration for the arrival of Ganesh idols and subsequent immersion are satisfactory.
She also directed the officials to ensure that immersion procession routes remain free of obstacles and that more artificial lakes are made available for devotees.
Tawde on Thursday further instructed the officials to make necessary arrangements to speed up idol immersion at natural immersion sites and install information boards at immersion locations informing devotees that Ganesh idol immersion and other civic facilities are being provided free of cost.
Tawde began her inspection tour from the Gateway of India and subsequently visited several key locations, including Swarajya Bhoomi (Girgaon Chowpatty), Lotus Jetty in Worli, the BMC Sports Hall near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan in Dadar, Keluskar Marg (North), and Shiv Lake in Sion.
Tawde further reviewed arrangements at both natural immersion sites and artificial lakes, along with civic services and facilities being provided for devotees.
At Swarajya Bhoomi, the Tawde directed the civic officials to ensure that fertiliser is produced from the Nirmalya (floral and other religious waste) collected after idol immersion.
Considering the expected influx of devotees, she also directed the civic administration to increase the number of mobile toilets, provide adequate drinking water facilities and deploy a sufficient number of lifeguards at immersion locations.
The Mayor conducted a comprehensive review of arrangements for Ganesh idol immersion, the construction of artificial lakes, civic facilities for devotees and security measures required on the day of immersion.
The BMC has undertaken various measures aimed at ensuring that Ganesh devotees, public Ganeshotsav mandals and Mumbaikars do not face difficulties during the festival and immersion process.
Separately, the BMC's Shri Ganeshotsav 2026 Information Booklet, prepared in connection with the eco-friendly Ganesh festival, was released by Mayor Tawde at the Mayor's Hall at the BMC headquarters on Thursday.
The booklet contains information about natural and artificial immersion lakes, civic services and facilities, and the entry form for the Shri Ganesh Gaurav Puraskar competition, along with other important information for public Ganeshotsav mandals.
