BMC issues guidelines, runs free special trains as Mumbai prepares for Ganesh Chaturthi

Mumbai readies itself for the vibrant celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, the city is rolling out extensive civic, cultural, and safety measures to balance festive fervour with environmental responsibility. From BMC’s eco-friendly directives and installation of over 250 artificial immersion ponds, to Bombay High Court’s rulings on PoP idols, preparations are in full swing.

Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, the BMC has urged citizens to adopt eco-friendly practices during idol installation and immersion. Guidelines focus on reducing environmental impact and ensuring smooth conduct of the 10-day festival. Further, the civic body has encouraged the use of natural clay (Shadu mati) idols, smaller idol sizes, symbolic immersions at home, and avoidance of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, chemical paints, and non-biodegradable decorations.

Registered Ganesh Mandals can book idol immersion slots online to prevent overcrowding at immersion points. BMC will install over 250 artificial ponds for idol immersion. The increase follows a Bombay High Court directive mandating immersion of PoP idols under six feet only in artificial ponds, while larger idols may be immersed in natural water bodies. All artificial ponds will be operational by August 27, the day before Ganesh Chaturthi.

PoP remnants will be collected post-immersion and processed at BMC’s construction and demolition recycling plant in Shilphata, Thane.

Organisers have been instructed to keep processions disciplined, minimise noise pollution, and follow safety norms for vehicles. Restrictions have been placed on loudspeaker use, while cooperation with Mumbai Police has been requested for traffic and crowd management.

Devotees are urged to deposit flowers and organic offerings in nirmalya kalash bins at immersion sites for composting. Non-biodegradable items must be discarded separately for recycling.

As part of its annual initiative, free special trains will run from Mumbai to Konkan for Ganeshotsav.

• Dates: August 23 and 24

• Departure: 11 am, Dadar Station (Platform 14)

• Services: Complimentary meals and drinking water

On August 23, the train will stop at Ratnagiri and Kudal before reaching Sawantwadi. On August 24, the second train will halt at Vaibhavwadi and Kankavali, terminating at Sawantwadi. Ticket distribution begins on August 18 through local mandal presidents.

The Maharashtra government has earmarked ₹11 crore for Ganeshotsav 2025, which it has declared the official state festival. Plans include:

• Awards for mandals promoting traditions and eco-friendly practices

• Drone show at Girgaon Chowpatty

• Cultural programmes across Maharashtra and abroad

• Digital platform to live-stream temple and mandal celebrations

• Special recognition for films showcasing Ganpati culture

• Release of Ganpati-themed stamps and coins

• Financial grants for bhajan mandals

• Transport facilities for domestic and international tourists during visarjan

Mumbai Police has announced traffic restrictions on August 17, 18, 23, and 24, between 9 am and 9 pm.

• Diversions will affect routes from Dadar towards Lalbaug and Kalachowki.

• Motorists are advised to avoid these stretches.

• Alternative routes and on-ground guidance will be provided to ensure smooth movement.