Ganeshotsav mandals meet in Dadar to demand rotational sea immersion policy
The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) held a meeting at Nabar Guruji Vidyalaya in Dadar on Saturday, urging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to permit public Ganeshotsav mandals to immerse their idols in the sea this year using last year's rotational system. BSGSS president Naresh Dahibavkar stated that the decision on sea immersion for idols taller than six feet in natural water bodies is a crucial matter that will determine the future course of the festival in the city.
During the meeting, Dahibavkar questioned whether the state government had formulated a comprehensive policy on the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols as directed by the Bombay High Court earlier this year. He noted that idol makers, Ganeshotsav mandals, and the Samiti had not been consulted on the matter. The BSGSS had written to the chief minister two months ago requesting permission for sea immersion, and Dahibavkar stated that consultation with the committee would have allowed the state to present a more comprehensive position in court.
Addressing the gathering, Dahibavkar also expressed concern over the increasing politicisation of the festival, stating that Ganeshotsav belongs to ordinary devotees and should remain a festival rather than a political battleground. He highlighted the committee's 44-year history of apolitical work in keeping the festival disciplined and peaceful.
Representatives from public Ganeshotsav mandals across Mumbai and its suburbs, including GSB Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal chief Satish Nayak and Lalbaug Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal president Balasaheb Kamble, attended Saturday's gathering. Mandals called for a time-bound process to develop environmentally friendly alternatives to PoP idols and raised logistical concerns, including the ₹2,000 fines levied on mandals last year for potholes, as well as fines for exposed cable wires and overhanging tree branches.
The representatives also requested an extension of the loudspeaker permission deadline from 10 p.m. to midnight for two additional days. While the deadline is already relaxed for four days during the 10-day festival for immersions, the mandals sought further relaxation for the ninth and tenth days to accommodate live programmes and local events. BSGSS office bearers, including joint secretary Shivaji Khairnar, working president Kundan Agaskar, treasurer Tukaram Raut, and chief secretary Girish Walawalkar, instructed mandals to submit written grievances for resolution with municipal, police, traffic, and electricity officials.
