In response to the High Court's directive issued on January 30, 2025, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has constructed 26 artificial immersion ponds across the city to facilitate the eco-friendly immersion of plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. The court's ruling prohibits the sale and immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies, emphasizing the need for environmental protection.

As Maghi Ganeshotsav was celebrated on February 1, the NMMC, under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, has taken significant steps to ensure that citizens have designated locations for idol immersion. The artificial ponds will be monitored and supervised by the relevant department offices, with oversight from the Deputy Commissioner of both municipal circles.

Officials have urged residents to immerse their plaster of Paris idols in the nearest artificial immersion pond to promote an environmentally friendly approach. Additionally, the immersion of Shadu (clay) idols is also encouraged in these designated ponds to further protect the environment.

The NMMC has provided a comprehensive list of the 26 artificial immersion ponds, strategically located across various divisions in Navi Mumbai:

Digha Division (4 artificial lakes):

  1. Near Khokad Lake

  2. Near Ganapatipada Petrol Pump

  3. Manubhai Maidan

  4. Near Rawali Mill

 Airoli Division (3 artificial lakes):

  1. Near Diva Lake, Sector 9

  2. Near Airoli Naka Lake, Sector 1

  3. Near Khadi Lake, Sector 20

 Ghansoli Division (4 artificial lakes):

  1. Near Rabale Lake

  2. Near Gunali Lake

  3. Near Khadan Lake (Rajiv Gandhi Lake)

  4. Near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Lake

 Koparkhairane Division (3 artificial lakes):

  1. Near Dharan Lake, Sector 19

  2. Near Mahape Lake

  3. Mahape School Ground

 Turbhe Division (3 artificial lakes):

  1. Near Koparigaon Lake

  2. Near Turbhegaon Lake

  3. Khokad Lake near Sanpada

 Vashi Division (2 artificial lakes):

  1. Near Vashi Lake, Sector 7

  2. Near Juhugaon, Sector 12

 Nerul Division (2 artificial lakes):

  1. Near Chincholi Lake, Shirwane Juinagar

  2. Near Nerul Village Lake

 Belapur Division (5 artificial lakes):

  1. Near Agroli Lake

  2. Near Belapur Village Lake

  3. Near Karve Lake

  4. Near Darave Lake

  5. Near Diwale Jetty