Artificial ponds, real impact

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The concept of immersing Ganesh idols in artificial ponds, that seemed alien to Mumbaikars, is now catching up slowly. Artificial ponds are here to stay as people have given this eco-friendly mode of immersion a big thumbs up.
According to civic data, last year out of the total 2,00,225 Ganpati idols immersed throughout the city, 15,255 were immersed in artificial ponds. This year the figure is likely to increase as has been the trend over the last five years. Immersion in artificial ponds is on the rise in the city.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) started the concept of artificial ponds for the immersion of Ganpati idols with an aim to prevent water pollution. The civic body had borrowed the idea of having artificial ponds for immersions from its neighbouring Thane Municipal Corporation that started the practice in 2006. Initially it took a while to accept this new concept, but Mumbaikars have now gradually started embracing it.
According to experts, a large number of immersions in lakes and the sea causes water pollution and it also affects the marine life. In the city, there are 72 natural immersion spots and 27 of these are beaches. But, there is a growing trend among devotees to use artificial ponds for Ganesh visarjan.
Due to the good response, the BMC has increased the number of artificial ponds in the city to 27. In order to encourage more people to use the artificial ponds for immersions, the civic body also puts in efforts to make these points more attractive. The BMC administration has instructed all the ward officials to make flower arrangements, rangolis and lighting at the locations where these artificial ponds are set up. Facilities like a platform to conduct the last pooja before the visarjan, soft aartis in the background are also be added to appeal to the devotees.
The Mayor’s Bungalow in Shivaji Park, the ground near Byculla Zoo, Hedgewar Maidan, Vile Parle (west), Swapna Nagari in Mulund are some of the artificial pond locations which receive a good response.
“Our efforts are finally bearing fruit as people have started realising the importance of environment conservation. The growing response to artificial ponds is an indication of this,” said Kishore Kshirsagar, deputy municipal commissioner.
In another attempt to prevent water pollution, the BMC also makes special arrangements to collect nirmalya from every sarvajanik (public) ganesh mandal in the city. Nirmalya are the floral offerings made to Lord Ganesha and one of the reasons for water pollution. In addition to this, kalashas and vehicles are also arranged to collect nirmalya. It is then sent to civic vermicomposting plants to produce manure.