Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will not charge sculptors making eco-friendly Ganesh idols for setting up temporary mandaps during Ganeshotsav and Navratri 2026. The decision, formalized through a civic circular, is part of the BMC’s push to cut festival-related pollution.
Spaces will be allotted free of cost, but only to sculptors producing eco-friendly idols, and only while availability lasts. Allocation follows a first-come, first-served basis. The civic body will also supply ‘shadu’ clay to eligible makers and may provide natural colours in limited quantities.
The BMC has launched an online single-window system on its website, live from March 27, allowing sculptors to apply for both Ganeshotsav and Navratri permissions until October 10, 2026. Permissions remain valid through October 20.
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Plaster of Paris idols are not covered under the scheme. Allotted spaces cannot be used to commercially sell idols. Applicants must submit undertakings, fire safety declarations, and where required society no-objection certificates. Police and traffic clearances are also mandatory before permissions are processed.
Digging of roads or footpaths for mandap construction is prohibited. Violations carry a penalty of Rs 2,000 per pit.
Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2) and Ganeshotsav Coordinator Prashant Sapkale confirmed the guidelines are already in force ahead of the festival season. The circular also follows court-mandated directions on environmental compliance during festival activities.
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