A Ganpati idol being immersed at Chowpatty in the BMC’s eco-friendly artificial pond. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE
A total of 583 'one-and-half-days' Ganpati idols were immersed in the sea, other water bodies and artificial ponds till 3pm on Thursday, the second day of the festival, across the city. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE
Of these, 575 were the 'household' Ganpati idols and three from 'sarvajanik' (public) pandals. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE
Of the 583 idols, 326 were immersed in artificial ponds, including 321 'household' and two 'sarvajanik' idols," a civic body official said. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE
This year, the BMC has earmarked 70 natural water bodies (including stretches of the seashore) and set up 288 artificial ponds for immersion. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
As part of measures to protect the environment, the civic body has urged citizens to immerse their eco-friendly Ganpati idol in drums or buckets, while Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols that are less than 6 feet in height must be immersed in artificial ponds. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
At Dadar Beach, the fewer crowds during the immersion reflect a shift towards artificial ponds and eco-friendly practices. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
Meanwhile, the BMC has trained more than 1,000 volunteers of mandals in handling emergency situations, including overcrowding. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
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