Saturday, 12 September 2026 MUMBAI EDITION LIVE

BMC To Recycle 2,850 Tonnes Of PoP Ganpati Idol Waste

BMC to recycle PoP Ganpati idols, protect water bodies. Scientific processing to begin soon.

Mumbai Alert · City Desk
Mumbai Alert · City Desk
City Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Sat, 12 September 2026 at 12:44 am
BMC To Recycle 2,850 Tonnes Of PoP Ganpati Idol Waste

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a process to recycle 2,850 tonnes of Plaster of Paris (PoP) waste generated from Ganpati idols after immersion. This move comes after the Bombay High Court directed the civic body to take measures to protect water bodies from pollution.

The BMC has devised a standard operating procedure (SOP) to retrieve immersed idols from artificial ponds, temporary tanks, and water bodies within 24 hours. Ward assistant commissioners have been instructed to deploy nodal personnel, manpower, personal protective equipment (PPE), cranes, and covered vehicles for the operation.

The retrieved idols will be transported to a designated storage facility in Mulund. The BMC has also invited expressions of interest (EOI) from experienced agencies and technology providers to process and reuse the retrieved PoP material. The agencies can propose technologies such as calcination, chemical disintegration, or other environmentally compliant methods.

The processed material can be reused in various industries, including idol-making, plaster boards, ceramics, medical plaster, bricks, and as filler material for the cement industry. To ensure accountability, wards have been instructed to maintain ward-wise records, weighbridge entries, and photographic and videographic documentation.

The operations will be monitored daily by assistant commissioners under the supervision of zonal deputy commissioners. The deadline for submitting the EOI is September 29. The initiative aims to establish a circular and environmentally responsible system for recovering and reusing PoP from immersed idols.

The BMC's move is expected to have a significant impact on the environment, as it will help reduce pollution in water bodies. The recycling of PoP waste will also promote sustainable practices and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

The Bombay High Court's directions have prompted the BMC to take proactive measures to address the issue of PoP waste. The civic body's efforts to recycle and reuse the waste will set an example for other cities to follow.

In recent years, the immersion of Ganpati idols has become a major concern for environmentalists and civic authorities. The use of PoP in idol-making has been criticized for causing water pollution and harming aquatic life. The BMC's initiative to recycle PoP waste is a step in the right direction and is expected to make a positive impact on the environment.

The success of the initiative will depend on the effective implementation of the SOP and the cooperation of citizens. The BMC must ensure that the recycling process is carried out in a scientific and environmentally compliant manner.

In conclusion, the BMC's move to recycle 2,850 tonnes of PoP Ganpati idol waste is a significant step towards protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the city's water bodies and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

The BMC's efforts to address the issue of PoP waste are commendable, and the civic body must continue to work towards finding innovative solutions to environmental problems. The recycling of PoP waste is just the beginning, and the BMC must explore other ways to reduce waste and promote sustainability in the city.

The initiative is a testament to the BMC's commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. The civic body's efforts will inspire other cities to follow suit and work towards creating a cleaner and healthier environment.

The recycling of PoP waste will also have economic benefits, as it will provide a new source of raw material for various industries. The initiative will create new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs, and will contribute to the city's economic growth.

In the long run, the BMC's initiative to recycle PoP waste will have a significant impact on the environment and the economy. The civic body's efforts will set an example for other cities to follow, and will contribute to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.

The BMC's move to recycle PoP waste is a significant step towards achieving the goal of a sustainable and environmentally responsible city. The initiative is expected to make a positive impact on the environment, and will contribute to the city's economic growth and development.

The success of the initiative will depend on the cooperation of citizens and the effective implementation of the SOP. The BMC must ensure that the recycling process is carried out in a scientific and environmentally compliant manner, and that the processed material is reused in a responsible and sustainable way.

In conclusion, the BMC's initiative to recycle 2,850 tonnes of PoP Ganpati idol waste is a significant step towards protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the city's water bodies and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the BMC doing to recycle PoP waste?

The BMC is retrieving immersed idols, storing them, and processing the PoP material through scientific methods.

What can the recycled PoP material be used for?

The processed material can be reused in applications including idol-making, plaster boards, ceramics, medical plaster, bricks, and as filler material for the cement industry.

bmcpop wasteganpati idolsmumbairecycling
X Facebook Telegram
Read the original report ↗

More in Mumbai

Mumbai

Domestic Help Arrested For Stealing ₹5 Lakh Bangle From Ameesha Patel's Mother

A 40-year-old domestic worker has been arrested for allegedly stealing a diamond-studded gold bangle. The bangle is worth ₹5 lakh and belongs to Asha Patel, actress Ameesha Patel's mother.

By Mumbai Alert · City Desk · 38 min ago

Mumbai

SNDT Women's University Honors VC and Pro-VC

SNDT Women's University felicitates VC Prof Ujwala Chakradeo and Pro-VC Dr Ruby Ojha

By Mumbai Alert · City Desk · 43 min ago

Mumbai

Mumbai Bus Services Disrupted as 110 BEST Workers Strike

BEST bus services severely affected, 110 workers protest unpaid salaries, festival rush concerns

By Mumbai Alert · City Desk · 47 min ago

Mumbai

Maratha Activist Vows to March on Mumbai Despite Permission

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil says supporters will march to Mumbai, permission or not. A crucial meeting is set for Saturday.

By Mumbai Alert · City Desk · 51 min ago