The move is aimed at encouraging the use of environmentally friendly materials in idol-making, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce pollution during festival seasons
File Photo
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will offer free permissions to sculptors making eco-friendly Ganesh idols to set up temporary mandaps for the 2026 Ganeshotsav and Navratri festivals, according to a civic circular.
The move is aimed at encouraging the use of environmentally friendly materials in idol-making, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce pollution during festival seasons.
Free Spaces Subject to Availability
Civic officials said that spaces for temporary mandaps will be allotted free of cost to eligible sculptors, depending on availability. The allotment will follow a “first come, first served” basis and will be limited to those producing eco-friendly idols.
The civic body will also provide ‘shadu’ clay to such sculptors. Natural colours may be supplied in limited quantities, subject to availability.
Online Permission System Introduced
The BMC has introduced an online “single window system” for permissions on its website from March 27. Applications for Ganeshotsav and Navratri idol-making can be submitted until October 10, 2026, while permissions will be valid until October 20.
Officials said the system is intended to streamline approvals by bringing multiple permissions under one platform.
Guidelines and Compliance Measures
The circular follows directions related to environmental norms and court-mandated guidelines on festival-related activities. The civic body has issued detailed instructions regarding the construction and use of temporary mandaps.
Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2) and Ganeshotsav Coordinator Prashant Sapkale confirmed that the guidelines have been issued for implementation ahead of the festival season.
Conditions for Permission
According to the circular, permissions will be granted only to eco-friendly idol makers, and the use of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols is not allowed under this scheme. The allotted spaces cannot be used for commercial sale of idols.
Applicants will have to submit required documents, including undertakings, fire safety declarations and, where applicable, society no-objection certificates. Permissions will be processed after scrutiny and subject to clearances from police and traffic authorities.
The circular also states that digging of roads or footpaths for mandap construction is prohibited. Violations will attract a penalty of Rs 2,000 per pit.
Part of Broader Environmental Push
The initiative is part of the civic body’s efforts to promote less polluting festival practices in Mumbai, particularly during large-scale celebrations such as Ganeshotsav, which have significant environmental impact each year.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
