Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: More trolleys, immersion safety and round-the-clock staff planned as Thane Mayor reviews preparations

Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar has directed all civic departments and agencies to work in close coordination ahead of Ganeshotsav which begins on September 14 an official statement saidThe Thane mayor held an urgent meeting on Tuesday to review preparations including pending permissions for Ganesh mandals road repairs cleanliness safety at immersion sites manpower and traffic arrangementsPimpolkar directed officials to immediately review all pending permissions at the assistant commissioner level and complete the necessary formalitiesShe also asked officials to contact Ganesh mandals in advance and ensure that required documents are submitted so that lastminute crowds for permissions can be avoidedThe Thane Municipal Corporation TMC was also instructed to coordinate with the police and fire brigade to ensure that no permission remains pending due to a lack of noobjection certificates NOCsMore trolleys at Parsik immersion ghatThe mayor directed officials to increase the number of trolleys at Parsik immersion ghat to make the visarjan immersion process faster and saferOfficials were also asked to arrange forklifts and ensure that all machinery is in good working condition and operated only by trained personnel A comprehensive assessment of the requirement for cranes was also orderedPimpolkar said she would personally inspect all immersion ghats while assistant commissioners would be required to inspect the ghats in their respective areasThe inspections will cover safety cleanliness lighting roads and facilities for citizens Any shortcomings will have to be addressed immediatelyOfficials have also been directed to remove waste debris and other obstructions along immersion routes and around the ghats keeping roads clean safe and open for trafficRead more on Ganeshotsave 2026 hereSeparate facilities for shadu clay idolsThe Thane civic body will make separate arrangements for the immersion of Shadu clay idols as part of efforts to promote an environmentfriendly GaneshotsavOfficials have been asked to provide separate areas at artificial ponds or immersion sites and consider the use of gunny bags and other safe alternativesInformation about artificial ponds immersion ghats and ecofriendly immersion will be shared with citizens through signboards public awareness messages the civic app and other media platformsTwo shifts planned for night immersionTo manage the large crowds expected during immersion the civic body will arrange manpower in two shiftsSpecial attention will be given to the period between midnight and 8 am when adequate staff will be deployed to manage crowds and ensure a smooth immersion processAnnouncers will also be arranged at immersion sites to provide instructions to citizens Counting clerks will be appointed to record idols and collect the required informationAssistant commissioners have been asked to remain personally present at busy immersion sites and oversee arrangements including crowd management cleanliness traffic and public grievancesPolice fire brigade and civic teams to coordinateThe mayor stressed the need for continuous coordination between the police fire brigade sanitation teams disaster management officials and ward offices throughout the festivalSanitation inspectors have been instructed to remain alert and promptly address complaints related to cleanliness along immersion routes and at ghatsThe civic administration will also conduct public awareness campaigns encouraging citizens to use artificial ponds and opt for environmentally friendly immersion practicesThe meeting was attended by Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode City Engineer Prashant Songra Deputy Commissioners G G Godepure Jitendra Nikam and Madhukar Bodke Deputy City Engineers Vikas Dhole and Mohan Kalal Environment Officer Vidya Sawant and assistant commissioners from all ward committees