In a first, BMC issues SOP for retrieval and transportation of immersed Ganpati idols

Time of India

a day ago

Mumbai: For the first time ever, the BMC has issued a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) for the retrieval and transportation of immersed Ganpati idols, particularly those made of Plaster of Paris (PoP), in line with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines.
The civic body acted following the Bombay High Court directive issued on July 24.
"Bombay High Court, in its recent orders dated July 24, 2025, and directives, explicitly emphasised the need for an expert scientific committee to suggest methods for the reuse and recycling of PoP idols. The same is under consideration; however, it will take some time. In view of the above, the following SOP, along with CPCB guidelines, shall be applied to the process of retrieval of immersed idols at the zone level and transportation to the C&D Waste Processing Facility at Daighar, Shilphata," stated the civic circular.
The SOP, applicable across all city zones, mandates that idols must be retrieved from temporary tanks or water bodies within 24 hours of immersion, either manually or using cranes and mechanised lifts, depending on size. Detailed records of all idols retrieved and transported are to be maintained by each ward. Transportation of idols to the BMC's construction and demolition waste processing facility at Daighar, Shilphata, will follow ward-wise rates: Rs 9,628 per 12-hour shift for the city and western suburbs divisions, and Rs 8,788 for eastern suburbs.
The cost includes labour for loading and unloading, fuel, tolls, and other incidentals.
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Other guidelines state the idols must be drained of excess water before transport, vehicles thoroughly cleaned, and loading/unloading carried out with full safety protocols. Closed-body or flat-bed trucks with tarpaulin coverings must be used, and designated non-peak transport routes followed to avoid congestion. Guidelines mandate weighbridge entries at the processing facility, photographic and videographic documentation for court submissions, and daily progress reporting.
Payments will not be made for trips without weighbridge records. The BMC has instructed assistant municipal commissioners and ward engineers to closely monitor operations, ensure cleanliness drives, and maintain detailed logs as per formats to be issued by the chief engineer (solid waste management).
The HC last month ruled that all PoP Ganpati idols up to 6 feet must be immersed in artificial water tanks until March 2026, to curb pollution in natural water bodies. The earlier state rule applied this mandate only to idols up to 5 feet. The court has also asked the govt to explore larger artificial tanks to accommodate idols up to 8 feet, especially for big mandals, and to set up an expert committee within a month to find ways to reuse and recycle PoP idols.
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