NAVI MUMBAI
Where does Idol Immersion take place?
In Navi Mumbai, idol immersion for Ganeshotsav takes place at designated locations including Vashi Creek, Palm Beach Road in Nerul, Belapur Creek, Airoli Creek, and Kopar Khairane Creek. Additionally, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has constructed 139 artificial ponds across various wards to provide eco-friendly immersion options for residents. These efforts ensure that the immersion process is both convenient and environmentally sustainable.
Belapur Creek
Nerul Lake
Kopar Khairane Creek
Airoli Creek
Soil Type in Navi Mumbai
The soil type in Navi Mumbai primarily comprises alluvial and lateritic soils. Alluvial soil, found along riverbanks and coastal areas, is nutrient-rich and ideal for agriculture, consisting of silt, clay, and sand deposited by river action. Lateritic soil, common in the upland areas, is characterized by its red color due to iron oxides. Although it is less fertile than alluvial soil, lateritic soil supports specific crops and various vegetation types. Together, these soil types significantly influence the agricultural practices and ecological balance in Navi Mumbai.
Laterite Soil
Alluvial Soil
Ganesh Visarjan
Materials Used
In Navi Mumbai, Ganesh idols are predominantly crafted from materials such as Plaster of Paris (PoP), clay, paper mache, fiber, and natural clay. PoP remains popular despite environmental concerns due to its ease of use, while traditional clay idols are favored for their eco-friendly nature, easily dissolving during immersion. Paper mache offers a lightweight alternative that can be intricately decorated. Fiber idols, known for durability and ease of handling, are also common. Efforts to promote eco-friendly materials like clay and natural dyes are increasing, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of idol immersion in the region.
These idols are meticulously fashioned using natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and the quintessential ingredient, soil from the Ganga river basin, known as alluvial soil or “Poli-mati.”
Government Efforts
In 2023, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) undertook significant efforts to promote eco-friendly Ganesh celebrations and manage idol immersion responsibly. The corporation created 139 artificial ponds across the city to prevent water pollution in natural water bodies and reduce traffic congestion during Ganesh idol immersion. These ponds complemented existing traditional immersion sites. Measures such as hoardings, social media campaigns, and official website updates were employed to help residents easily locate these designated immersion points. Additionally, the installation of gabion walls in reservoirs and separate facilities for waste management further supported environmental sustainability during the festivities.
Problem
In Navi Mumbai, there has been a noticeable decline in the use of artificial ponds for immersing Ganesh idols during the recent Ganesh Utsav. According to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), only 26% of idols were immersed in 141 artificial ponds, whereas the majority preferred traditional immersion sites. This marks a significant drop from previous years, where artificial ponds saw higher usage, especially during the pandemic. Despite efforts by civic bodies to increase the number of artificial ponds to manage crowds and COVID-19 concerns, the trend has shifted back towards traditional venues for immersion. Similar trends were observed in neighboring areas like the Panvel Municipal Corporation, indicating a broader shift away from artificial ponds for Ganesh idol immersion.