The Ganesh festival is celebrated with great joy across Mumbai and Thane, and this year, the tradition continued with a one-and-a-half-day immersion of household Ganesh idols. People chanted “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” (Come soon next year) as they bid farewell to their beloved idols. To ease immersion activities and protect the environment, artificial ponds have been built in 288 wards of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation.
One of the standout additions this year is a new artificial pond in the Hiranandani Complex area. While the Powai Lake has traditionally been the main site for Ganesh immersions, the huge number of idols immersed there every year has raised concerns about water pollution and environmental damage. To address this, the Municipal Corporation, with effort by Chandivali MLA Dilip Lande, constructed a dedicated artificial pond right in the municipal parking lot next to Hichki Restaurant.
On the very first day, around 200 Ganesh idols were immersed in this new artificial pond, which covers a 2,000-square-foot area and is seven feet deep. The pond offers a safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly alternative to immersing idols in the natural lake. This move not only helps reduce pollution in Powai Lake but also gives local devotees a specific place to carry out their rituals without worrying about harming nature.
The construction of this pond was a team effort led by the Municipal ‘S’ ward officer Mrs. Sasane, Assistant Engineer Rahul Jadhav, and their dedicated team. Their careful planning and execution have resulted in a well-designed facility that serves the cultural needs of the community while protecting the environment.
Local residents had requested such a facility for the Hiranandani Complex, and with MLA Dilip Lande’s efforts, the demand was met. He has been a consistent advocate for preserving cultural traditions along with environmental protection, and this pond is a reflection of that vision.
During the festival, thousands of idols of all sizes are immersed in the Powai Lake area, especially at the main Ganeshghat and Ganeshnagar Ganeshghat. The large-scale immersions put immense pressure on these natural water bodies, contributing to pollution and ecological strain. The new artificial ponds across the city represent a thoughtful solution to balance religious devotion with environmental care.
Devotees who used the new artificial pond built in Hiranandani Complex expressed their happiness and satisfaction with the facility. They appreciated having a dedicated spot that is safe and convenient for immersing their Ganesh idols, while also being mindful of the environment.
Environmentalists have also welcomed this initiative, praising the artificial pond as a positive step toward protecting Powai Lake and other natural water bodies.
MLA Dilip Lande urged residents of the area to use this artificial pond for Ganesh idol immersion and join hands in protecting the environment. By choosing eco-friendly options like this pond, the community can keep their traditions alive without harming nature.
This new artificial pond in Hiranandani Complex is more than just a convenience; it’s a step toward a greener, cleaner way to celebrate one of Mumbai’s most beloved festivals.
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