The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has finalised a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the recovery and recycling of Ganpati idols after immersion, in line with directives from the Bombay High Court and the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The SOP ensures compliance with court directives that public Ganesh Chathurti 2025 celebrations and other festivals be celebrated in an environmental-friendly manner. The CPCB guidelines emphasise post-immersion recovery of Plaster of Paris idols and their scientific recycling. The high court has also directed the setting up of an expert committee to recommend approved methods for recovery and recycling — a process that is currently under consideration.

Until these recommendations are received and implemented, the BMC’s SOP will guide idol recovery and transport operations across the city, the civic body said in a press release. Circulars have been issued to all ward offices and relevant municipal departments over this.