Overview

• By Sept 3, Mumbai reported more than 1.55 lakh idol immersions, including 26,395 on Day 7, with operations split across roughly 70 natural sites and about 290 artificial ponds.
• The BMC activated over 245 control rooms and deployed 2,178 lifeguards, 56 motorboats, 129 observation towers, 42 cranes, 115 ambulances and thousands of staff as Anant Chaturdashi nears.
• The apex court has admitted a plea contesting the MPCB’s Aug 26 circular that allows eco‑friendly idols under six feet in natural waters where artificial ponds are unavailable; a BMC official said the city would follow MPCB guidelines.
• RTI-based data show civic spending on Ganeshotsav logistics has surged, with about ₹54 crore spent in 2024 and roughly ₹246–247 crore cumulatively since 2007–08.
• Neighboring cities scaled up arrangements too, with Thane reporting 17,939 immersions on Day 7 and higher artificial pond usage, while Hyderabad, Surat and Kurnool detailed large deployments of cranes, swimmers, police and control rooms.