Maharashtra is raising the bar for eco-friendly Ganeshotsav celebrations this year, launching a series of State-wide initiatives aimed at ensuring both joyful festivities and stringent cleanliness standards. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and Pimpri Chinchwaad (PCMC) have implemented comprehensive strategies to ensure that the festival is celebrated with commitment to sustainability and effective waste management.

This year Navi Mumbai has created 136 artificial ponds across the city specifically to serve as designated immersion sites for Ganesh idols and associated materials. NMMC aims to prevent the pollution of natural water bodies and ensure that the immersion process adheres to eco-friendly standards. To maximize public participation and awareness, the Municipal body has employed modern communication tools, sharing the geotag locations of these artificial ponds through social media and WhatsApp groups. Citizens can easily locate the nearest designated immersion sites, making the process both convenient and environmentally responsible.

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) launched its first eco-friendly Ganesha idol-making and decoration competition for students in grades 5 to 10 from PCMC-run schools, promoting sustainability through the use of biodegradable and recycled materials. The competition had focused on idol creation, where students crafted Ganpati idols using clay, paper-mâché, and natural fibres and decoration, which focused on using recycled and eco-friendly items. Schools formed Eco-Clubs to organize awareness campaigns, with the creations showcased in an exhibition. The Health Department of PCMC also launched an on-ground awareness campaign to educate schools and students participating in the Eco-Friendly Ganpati Challenge 2024 about environmentally sustainable practices.

As part of the Bappa Maja Paryavanacha Raja initiative by the Panvel Municipal Corporation, an eco-friendly Ganesha idol sales center has been established. Local artisans have been supplied with shadu soil and given stalls to sell their creations, significantly lowering production costs. This initiative not only makes eco-friendly idols more accessible and affordable to the public but also encourages citizens to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in an environmentally responsible way. By championing sustainable practices, Panvel is leading the way in promoting greener and more mindful festival celebrations.

The Thane Municipal Corporation launched a remarkable initiative to promote an eco-friendly Ganpati festival. In a lively workshop, nearly 500 students were taught to craft Ganpati idols from shadu clay, embracing the principles of sustainability. The event was a great success, beautifully combining tradition with environmental responsibility.