Mumbai prepares for Ganesh Chaturthi with new health initiative

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has convened a review meeting at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters to coordinate preparations for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival. A key outcome of the meeting was the announcement of the ‘Shree Ganesha Arogyacha’ initiative, which aims to provide free health check-ups, eyeglass distribution, and breast cancer screenings for women at various festival pandals.

To ensure a safe and eco-friendly celebration, the city is preparing 378 immersion sites, including 281 artificial ponds, 44 seafronts, and 23 natural water bodies. In accordance with High Court directives, idols up to six feet must be immersed in artificial ponds. To support sculptors, the city has distributed 858 tons of shadu soil and 25,400 litres of eco-friendly colors free of charge.

Civic preparations are also underway to improve infrastructure, including pothole repairs on procession routes, cable removal, and tree pruning. Additionally, instructions have been issued to keep restrooms and Hirakni rooms open for women 24 hours a day throughout the festival period. Information regarding immersion sites will be made available to the public via Google Maps and QR codes.