Immersions in artificial lakes saw 98 percent jump this Ganeshotsav: BMC

Data procured from the civic body showed that of the total immersions, 1.84 lakh idols were immersed in the artificial lakes comprising 72,361 eco-friendly idols and 1.11 lakh POP idols. It marks a significant jump from the previous year when at least 85,306 idols were immersed in artificial tanks. The jump in eco-friendly immersions has also led to a decline in use of natural bodies with only 4,385 idols immersed in the natural water bodies as against 1.17 lakh idols immersed in 2024.

The shift has come along the heels of increased artificial tanks deployed across the city. While 204 artificial tanks were designated in 2024, this year, 90 additional tanks were erected, taking the total number of artificial ponds up to 298.

Created using inflatable tubes, the artificial lakes are makeshift tanks filled with water which the BMC has been installing across the city in a bid to curb water pollution. Since a majority of Ganesh idols are made of Plaster of Paris (PoP), they do not dissolve when immersed in water, in turn polluting the natural water bodies and harming aquatic life.

According to the civic body, the number of eco-friendly idols also marked an increase this festive season owing to the free provision of Shaadu (Clay) and eco-friendly colour. Records showed that at least 1000 metric tonnes of shaadu soil was distributed amongst idol-maker while 611 tonnes had been supplied in the previous year. Over 10,800 litres of eco-friendly colour — which is soluble and non-toxic for water bodies — was also supplied free of cost. In the pilot project, the BMC distributed over 7,800 litres of eco-friendly primary colour encompassing red, orange, green, blue and yellow while over 3,000 litres of white primer which is eco-friendly was also distributed.

Senior civic officials pointed the increased preference for eco-friendly measures to its strict vigilance and strong push for public awareness. Through an external social media agency, the BMC created over 51 reels, 23 posters, 30 interviews and six comics to convey the message of opting for environment friendly practices.