Overview

• The Supreme Court admitted a plea challenging the MPCB’s August 26 circular that permits eco-friendly idols under six feet in natural waters where artificial ponds are unavailable, issuing notice to the state and listing a hearing in four weeks.
• By 9 pm on Day 7, Mumbai logged 26,395 immersions — 23,216 household, 257 sarvajanik and 2,922 Gauri — with civic officials reporting no untoward incidents.
• Only 135 idols were immersed in natural water bodies by the fifth day, as the city operates about 288–290 artificial ponds in line with the Bombay High Court’s directions for PoP idols under six feet.
• RTI data show the BMC has spent roughly ₹247 crore on festival logistics since 2007–08, with an annual peak of ₹54.47 crore in 2024–25, and activists are seeking a white paper and tighter oversight of ward-level contracting.
• Civic officials attribute higher costs to inflation, more mandals and expanded infrastructure, note the free distribution of over 990 tonnes of shadu clay and 10,800 litres of natural paint, and say the corporation will follow MPCB guidelines.