Navi Mumbai :- After the joyous arrival of Goddess Gauri, the Ganesha Visarjan (immersion) festival in Navi Mumbai was marked by a fervent and enthusiastic atmosphere. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation meticulously planned the immersion process, resulting in the successful immersion of 19,084 Ganesha idols at 22 natural and 141 artificial immersion sites.
To boost the spirits of volunteers involved in the immersion, Municipal Commissioner Mr. Rajesh Narvekar personally visited several immersion sites. Notably, in Sector 6, Vashi, he took part in the immersion of Ganesha idols into a temporary pond, motivating volunteers and evoking a sense of pride and encouragement.
This initiative received praise at all levels, with additional Commissioners Ms. Sujata Dhole and Mr. Vijaykumar Mhasale, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Dr. Babasaheb Rajale, Additional Commissioners Mr. Somanath Potare and Dr. Shriram Pawar, along with other municipal officials and local representatives, attending various immersion sites.
In total, 14,315 household idols and 4,769 idols from public pandals were immersed at 22 natural and 141 artificial immersion sites, making it a remarkable total of 19,084 Ganesha idols immersed seamlessly.
Notably, 1,404 Gauri idols were immersed at natural sites, while 834 Gauri idols found their way into artificial immersion ponds, making a total of 2,238 Gauri idol immersions.
Environmental sustainability was a priority, with 141 artificial immersion ponds constructed across the city, significantly reducing the environmental impact of the festival. Moreover, citizens were encouraged to use these artificial ponds for Ganesha and Gauri immersions to protect natural water bodies.
The municipal corporation also put in place extensive arrangements at immersion sites, including the use of forklifts for larger idols, and even the presence of medical personnel at nearby healthcare centers. Additionally, lifeguards were deployed, and alternate power sources were provided, ensuring a smooth and safe immersion process.
Navi Mumbai, known for its commitment to cleanliness, has set a shining example of responsible idol immersion, where devotees placed their idols in designated artificial ponds, keeping water bodies free from pollution. Citizens were given the autonomy to perform the final immersion rituals, adding a personal touch to the process.
In the wake of the successful immersion, 33.64 tons of nirmalya (biodegradable religious offerings) were collected, showcasing a significant reduction in waste dumped into water bodies.
This eco-friendly approach, along with the enthusiastic participation of citizens, marked Navi Mumbai as a leader in responsible and sustainable Ganesha and Gauri idol immersions. The move towards artificial immersion ponds and the conscious efforts to keep water bodies clean have made the festivities not only spiritually fulfilling but also environmentally responsible.
