The SOP ensures compliance with court directives that public Ganeshotsav and other festivals be celebrated in an environmental-friendly manner. The CPCB guidelines emphasise post-immersion recovery of Plaster of Paris idols and their scientific recycling
All idols immersed in artificial ponds, temporary tanks or natural water bodies must be retrieved within 24 hours. Representational Pic/File
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has finalised a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the recovery and recycling of Ganpati idols after immersion, in line with directives from the Bombay High Court and the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The SOP ensures compliance with court directives that public Ganesh Chathurti 2025 celebrations and other festivals be celebrated in an environmental-friendly manner. The CPCB guidelines emphasise post-immersion recovery of Plaster of Paris idols and their scientific recycling. The high court has also directed the setting up of an expert committee to recommend approved methods for recovery and recycling — a process that is currently under consideration.
Until these recommendations are received and implemented, the BMC’s SOP will guide idol recovery and transport operations across the city, the civic body said in a press release. Circulars have been issued to all ward offices and relevant municipal departments over this.
Key features of the SOP
A) Idol recovery post-immersion
All idols immersed in artificial ponds, temporary tanks or natural water bodies must be retrieved within 24 hours using machinery or manpower as required.
Smaller idols may be recovered manually, with workers provided with protective gear such as gloves and waterproof boots.
Large idols must be retrieved using suitable equipment like cranes to ensure safety.
Detailed documentation of all recovered idols is mandatory for verification.
B) Transportation post-recovery
Recovered idols will be transported to designated processing centres at Dighar and Shilphata. Fixed base rates have been set, taking into account 12-hour shifts and distances:
City division: Rs 9,628 for 100 km
Eastern suburbs: Rs 8,788 for 80 km
Western suburbs: Rs 9,628 for 100 km
These rates include driver wages, labour charges, fuel, maintenance, tolls, parking, insurance, and all other costs. Each trip needs to have at least three workers to handle the idols during loading and unloading.
Wards will invite tenders based on these rates to appoint contractors for the work.
C) Additional measures
Remove excess water from recovered idols before transport.
Ensure vehicles are cleaned inside and out before loading idols.
Use new tarpaulins to cover idols during transport.
Only well-maintained, enclosed vehicles should be used.
Schedule transport during low-traffic hours along designated routes.
Record vehicle and load weights on a weighbridge; no payment will be made for trips without proper weight documentation.
Deploy dedicated staff to oversee the process, maintain photographic and video records, and ensure full coordination among sanitation teams.
The process will be supervised by the zonal deputy commissioner with the ward assistant municipal commissioner executing the operations. The assistant engineer (solid waste management) will maintain daily records of all activities during Ganesh Chaturthi 2025.
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