More than 25 years after the artificial pond was closed down, Shantaram talao in Malad was inaugurated earlier this month and has been earmarked as an immersion site for Ganpati idols. Residents and mandals, however say that they will not immerse their idols there as the area around the pond is still filthy and sewage water from the drainage system near the lake enters the pond as well.

Mandals in Malad say they will not be immersing their idols in the Shantaram talao. Pic/Kaushik Thanekar