NMMC’s well-planned arrangements helped in smooth coordination

Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) executed a meticulous Ganesh idol immersion ceremony on Anant Chaturdashi, marking the end of the festival with exceptional organisation and coordination. A total of 8,435 Ganesh idols were immersed across 22 natural and 137 artificial sites, including 896 idols made of eco-friendly Shadu clay.

The immersion ceremony was led by NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, who bid a heartfelt farewell to the Lord Ganesh idols from a grand platform at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Vashi.

Dr. Shinde and his team, including Additional Commissioner Mr. Sunil Pawar, City Engineer Mr. Shirish Aradwad, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Sharad Pawar, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Somnath Potre, and other senior officials, oversaw the proceedings. Former MP Mr. Sanjeev Naik and several ex-corporators also attended the event.

NMMC’s efficient planning ensured the smooth execution of the immersion. Dr. Shinde personally inspected the new mechanical rafts and crane facilities at Koparkhairane Dharan Lake, where a significant number of idols were immersed. He also reviewed other sites to provide essential suggestions, which were promptly acted upon.

Enhanced arrangements were made to manage the large number of public Ganesh idols on Anant Chaturdashi. This included the deployment of numerous volunteers, lifeguards, and fire personnel at the 22 natural immersion sites.
Police forces were stationed at all immersion locations and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk to maintain law and order. CCTV cameras were installed at natural sites to ensure safety and effective management. Medium and large rafts, forklifts, and cranes were provided as needed.

To manage the crowds, bamboo barricades were set up for safety, and backup generators were arranged to ensure a continuous power supply. Drinking water and first aid facilities were available, and tables were set up at the immersion sites for devotees to perform farewell Aarti and final Puja. The platform at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk facilitated communication and crowd management despite the large turnout.

Special containers were provided for recycling “wet nirmalya” (biodegradable offerings like garlands and flowers) and “dry nirmalya” (non-biodegradable items like necklaces and decorations).

NMMC’s appeal to avoid discarding these items into the water was well-received, and a special vehicle system transported the nirmalya to NMMC’s Turbhe project site for processing.

The immersion statistics were impressive, 6,381 household idols and 578 public idols from 6,959 mandals were immersed at the 22 natural sites, while 1,465 household idols and 1,476 public idols from 1,476 mandals were immersed at the 137 artificial sites.

In total, 8,435 Ganesh idols—7,846 household and 589 public—were immersed smoothly. Among these, 896 Shadu clay idols were immersed in an eco-friendly manner.

Node-wise details are as follows:

· Belapur Node: 1,177 domestic and 32 public idols, plus 163 domestic idols in 19 artificial ponds across 5 natural sites.

· Nerul Node: 711 domestic and 47 public idols, plus 66 domestic idols in 172 artificial ponds across 2 natural sites.

· Vashi Node: 626 domestic and 94 public idols, plus 48 domestic and 1 public idol in 110 artificial ponds across 2 natural sites.

· Turbhe Node: 702 domestic and 66 public idols, plus 264 domestic and 3 public idols in 17 artificial ponds across 3 natural sites.

· Koparkhairane Node: 862 domestic and 103 public idols, plus 335 domestic and 3 public idols in 15 artificial ponds across 2 natural sites.

· Ghansoli Node: 1,248 domestic and 104 public idols, plus 118 domestic idols in 15 artificial ponds across 4 natural sites.

· Airoli Node: 759 domestic and 52 public idols, plus 203 domestic idols in 18 artificial ponds across 3 natural sites.

· Digha Node: 296 domestic and 80 public idols, plus 100 domestic and 5 public idols in 1 natural site and 11 artificial ponds.

The successful coordination and citizen cooperation resulted in a smooth and eco-friendly Ganeshotsav.
Dr. Shinde’s appeal for a ‘plastic-free, eco-friendly Ganeshotsav’ was met with enthusiasm, as many opted for Shadu clay idols. These environmentally conscious devotees were honoured with certificates recognising their commitment to cleanliness.

NMMC also established 137 artificial lakes across its eight divisional areas to protect natural water sources. This initiative was widely supported by environmentally-conscious citizens, who preferred these artificial ponds for immersion. The overall success of this year’s Ganeshotsav underscores Navi Mumbai’s commitment to sustainable celebrations.