Ganeshotsav: BMC to build more artificial ponds for idol immersion

The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti has urged the BMC to build more artificial ponds across the city in view of the Ganeshotsav. The organisation has stated that the civic body has 34 artificial ponds at the moment, however, the civic body is conducting surveys to build more of these ponds for the immersion of the idol, as per a report on Free Press Journal.

With the surge in the number of cases of coronavirus, the city of Mumbai is said to witness small, simplistic celebrations in comparison to the previous years. CM Uddhav Thackeray had earlier asked the Ganpati mandals in the city to keep the height of the idols small and celebrate the 10-day Ganesh festival, beginning August 22, in a low-key fashioned way. With the heights of the idols being kept in mind, the pandals are also going to be smaller in size this year. Along with this, social distancing protocols are to be followed to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Currently, the BMC has decided to build five artificial ponds in South Mumbai for the immersion of the Ganpati idols. The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti has released the list of these artificial ponds. They are mentioned down below.

• August Kranti Maidan, August Kranti Marg, Mumbai – 400 007
• Vasantdada Patil Udyaan (Traffic Island), Sane Guruji Marg, Tardeo, Mumbai – 400 034
• S.M. Joshi Kridangan, Dongarshi Marg, Malabar Hill, Mumbai - 400 026
• Glider lane, Karmachaari Vasaahat, Dr DB Marg, Mumbai – 400 008
• Angrewadi, VP Road, Girgaon, Mumbai – 400 004

In a state like Maharashtra, that is actively battling the crisis of coronavirus, it becomes very crucial for the people to safeguard their own selves and celebrate the festival in a simplistic, muted manner this year. However, the state must welcome Bappa, in what has become the new normal across the globe in the midst of the pandemic.