Ganpati Festival 2026: BMC Distributes 858 Tonnes Clay, Plans More Immersion Ponds

Mumbai, 1st September 2026: With less than two weeks left for Ganpati festival, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped up efforts to promote eco-friendly celebrations by distributing 858 tonnes of clay and 25,400 litres of natural colours to idol makers across Mumbai.

The civic body expects to distribute another 200 tonnes of clay by next week, taking the total to around 1,000 tonnes, similar to last year’s distribution. The clay is being provided to artisans to encourage the use of shadu clay instead of Plaster of Paris (POP) for Ganesh idols.

Within BMC limits, 1,136 murtikar mandaps have been set up for making Ganesh idols this year. However, despite efforts to encourage clay idols, the civic body has not seen a significant increase in demand for clay among idol makers.

The BMC is also planning to increase the number of artificial immersion ponds this year. While artificial ponds were available at 298 locations last year, the number of locations is expected to remain around the same, with more ponds being created at individual locations.

According to a BMC official, locations that previously had one artificial pond could have three to four ponds this year, with the aim of reducing waiting time for devotees and encouraging eco-friendly immersion.

The move comes as authorities continue to encourage alternatives to POP idols, which can pose challenges during immersion and disposal. The BMC will collect the remains of immersed idols and transport them to the Mulund site, a former dumping ground, or other designated locations.

However, the civic body is yet to float tenders for recycling the idol remains, despite methods having been suggested by a committee appointed by the state government. Idol remains from last year’s festival continued to be stored at the Mulund site while awaiting scientific disposal.

Meanwhile, preparations for public celebrations are also underway. The BMC has received 1,885 applications from sarvajanik Ganesh mandals seeking permission to install idols. Of these, 1,835 permissions have been granted, while the remaining applications are being scrutinised by the BMC and Mumbai Police.

With Ganpati celebrations approaching, the civic body’s focus this year is therefore not limited to promoting clay idols. Increasing artificial immersion capacity and managing idol remains after visarjan are also part of Mumbai’s preparations for the festival.