The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced detailed arrangements for Ganeshotsav 2026, including a key rule for idol immersion following directions from the Bombay High Court.
As per the civic body’s announcement on Tuesday, Ganesha idols measuring less than six feet in height will have to be immersed in artificial ponds during this year’s 10-day Ganesh festival. The festival will begin on September 14.
The BMC said the decision follows the Bombay High Court’s directions issued on August 20, 2026. The court had directed that its July 24, 2025 order would continue to apply until a final decision is taken in the ongoing public interest litigation.
The civic body reviewed its preparations at a meeting held at BMC headquarters. Senior officials, representatives of Ganesh mandals and idol makers attended the meeting.
348 immersion locations across Mumbai
The BMC has prepared 348 immersion locations across Mumbai for the festival.
These include:
- 281 artificial immersion ponds
- 44 beaches and jetties
- 23 natural lakes
The locations of the artificial ponds will be made available to citizens through QR codes and Google Maps, allowing devotees to identify the nearest designated immersion point.
The civic administration has also planned extensive safety arrangements. A total of 1,132 lifeguards, 85 ambulances, 34 cranes and 10 motor boats will be deployed at various locations.
For the collection of nirmalya, the BMC will install 498 collection bins and 326 dumpers. As many as 6,052 floodlights and searchlights will also be placed at immersion points to improve visibility and safety.
Roads repaired ahead of Ganesh festival
The BMC has also worked on roads and other infrastructure along important idol arrival and immersion routes.
According to officials, 4,279 potholes and 171 drain covers were repaired across 506 roads. Obstructing cables were removed from 281 locations, while tree pruning was carried out at 515 spots.
The civic body said these measures are intended to make the movement of large Ganesh idols safer and smoother during the festival.
BMC promotes eco-friendly idols
The civic administration is also encouraging idol makers to use environmentally friendly materials.
The BMC has distributed 858 tonnes of shadu clay and 25,400 litres of eco-friendly paint free of cost to idol makers.
Through its online single-window permission system, 1,136 idol makers have already received permissions.
Meanwhile, the BMC had received 1,885 applications from Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals for the 2026 festival as of September 1. These applications are being examined by civic and police authorities.
Free health camps planned near Ganapati mandals
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has also announced free health camps under the ‘Shree Ganesha Arogyacha’ initiative.
The camps will offer general health and eye examinations. People requiring spectacles will also be provided with them, while women will have access to breast cancer screening.
The mayor directed officials to make adequate parking arrangements for devotees and ensure that traffic continues to move smoothly during idol arrivals and immersions.
Officials have also been asked to check roads and traffic signals before the festival. Facilities for women, including Hirkani rooms and toilets, are to remain available around the clock at locations expected to witness large crowds.
The review meeting was attended by the deputy mayor, civic office-bearers, senior BMC officials, police and traffic officials, as well as representatives of Ganesh festival coordination groups.
With Ganeshotsav beginning on September 14, the BMC is now working to complete the remaining arrangements and ensure that idol immersion, traffic management, public safety and civic services run smoothly across Mumbai.
