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Immersion in artificial ponds doubles this year
The municipal corporation has received a tremendous response for the immersion of Ganesh idols in artificial ponds this year, given that the number of immersions in these ponds has doubled compared with last year's figures.
The municipal corporation has received a tremendous response for the immersion of Ganesh idols in artificial ponds this year, given that the number of immersions in these ponds has doubled compared with last year's figures.
On Sunday, the second day of Ganesh festival, 63, 199 idols were immersed, of which, 7,150 went in the 19 artificial ponds. Last year on the same day, 52,151 idols were immersed, of which 3,628 were immersed in these ponds.
The civic body has marked 60 spots including various beaches, natural ponds and 19 artificial ponds in the city and suburbs, like it had last year.
The response for eco-friendly immersions looks encouraging. The artificial pond at Sai Nagar, Kandivli (E) recorded the highest number of immersions with 1,551 Ganesh idols while the Hegdewar playground, Vile Parle (E) stands second highest with 1,098 idols.
According to the data collected by the civic body, not a single idol was immersed in the three spots in Western suburbs. Ponds at Kundanlal Saigal Playground in Malad (E), Chikuwadi, Borivli (W) and Patharewadi Chowky, Dahisar (W) recorded zero response.
Mayor Bungalow in Dadar (W) recorded 496 immersions.
Of a total of 7,150 idols, 46 were from public (Sarvanajik) mandals and 7,104 were domestic ones.
Mayor Shraddha Jadhav said: “I am very happy, more people are preferring immersions in artificial ponds.”
The civic body will deploy 214 lifeguards and has asked the navy to help in case of emergencies. Beaches at Girgaum, Juhu, Dadar and Marve are the main immersion spots. Facilities such as mobile toilets and searchlights are being put in place for the convenience of devotees and to ensure safety, especially on the last day when the maximum numbers of idols are immersed and lakhs of devotees throng the beaches.
In addition, 59 motorboats, first aid centres, ambulances and doctors were deputed on immersion spots.
Last year, around 1.87 lakh idols were immersed through the festival. This year, the number is expected to be 10 per cent higher.
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