As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has introduced a significant new initiative to address concerns over idol disposal—six mobile immersion services will be deployed across the city from starting from September 8 . These services involve trucks equipped with immersion facilities that will visit designated locations at specific times. Citizens can immerse their Ganesh idols in the tanks available on these trucks. These mobile units aim to prevent the overcrowding and environmental damage often associated with traditional immersion sites.
In addition to the mobile services, the TMC has also arranged for nine immersion ghats, 15 artificial ponds, 10 idol collection centers, and 49 immersion tanks throughout the city. These arrangements are part of a broader effort by the TMC to ensure a more eco-friendly and efficient celebration this year.
Positive Response Expected for Mobile Immersion Services
The mobile immersion services provide citizens with an additional option for immersing their idols. The TMC has been actively working to make the Ganesh festival more eco-friendly, and citizens have responded positively to these efforts. TMC Commissioner Saurabh Rao expressed confidence that the mobile services will also receive similar support.
Six Mobile Immersion Services Across Four Wards
This year, the mobile immersion services will be available in the Naupada-Kopri, Majiwada-Manpada, Wagle, and Vartak Nagar wards on three key days: September 8 (one and a half-day immersion), September 12 (six-day immersion), and September 17 (eleventh-day immersion. The mobile units will be operational from 12 PM to 10 PM, visiting various locations within the divisions. Citizens can immerse their idols in the tanks provided on these vehicles. The schedule for these services will be available on the TMC’s website, as stated by Chief Environmental Officer Manisha Pradhan.
214 Mandals Apply for Permissions
A total of 214 mandals within the TMC limits have applied for permissions through the online and offline systems. Of these, 184 mandals have already received their permissions, with the remaining applications under process and expected to be granted soon, Commissioner Rao informed.
Pothole-Free Roads Before Ganeshotsav
With the monsoon rains subsiding, road repair works have been undertaken across the city. Roads in areas like flyovers, Anandnagar, and Owala have deteriorated, and potholes in these locations are being filled urgently. In accordance with the Chief Minister’s directive, fast-drying methods are being employed for pothole repairs, yielding positive results, according to Commissioner Rao.
49 Immersion Tank Locations
Since last year, the TMC has introduced small immersion tanks along with artificial lakes for idol immersion. This year, the number of such tanks has been increased from 42 to 49 locations.
10 Idol Collection Centers
Ten locations have been designated as idol collection centers: Jail Lake, Madhvi House-Rammurti Road, Mahagiri Koliwada, Tembhi Naka, Regency Heights-Azadnagar, Lodha Luxuria, Kamgar Hospital, Kisan Nagar Bus Stop, Modela Check Naka, and Devdaya Nagar-Shivai Nagar.
15 Artificial Ponds
Artificial Ponds have been arranged at 15 locations: Ambegosale, Masunda Datt Ghat, Kharegaon, Gholainagar, Dativali Lake, Khidkali Lake, New Shivaji Nagar Kalwa Lake, Nilkanth Woods-Tikuji-ni-Wadi, Rewale, Borivade, Brahmand Rutu Park, Railadevi- 1, Railadevi- 2, Upvan Lake Complex-Vartak Nagar, and Devdaya Nagar.
9 Immersion Ghats
Additionally, immersion ghats have been prepared at nine locations: Kopri, Parsik Reti Bandar, Retibandar-1, Retibandar-2-Rana Nagar, Fast Track Bridge, Babaji Patil Wadi, Shankar Mandir Ghat, Kolshet, and Balkum.