Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Maharashtra Fisheries Department has begun carrying out netting surveys at immersion spots like Chowpatty to check for stingrays, jellyfish and other marine life, ensuring devotees’ safety during idol immersions.

Every year before Ganesh Chaturthi, the Maharashtra government’s Fisheries Department conducts pre-festival netting surveys at popular immersion sites like Chowpatty to identify and warn the public about the presence of potentially harmful marine life, such as stingrays and jellyfish. 

Pradip Patade from Marine Life of Mumbai (MLOM) said,  “These surveys are done to prevent injuries to devotees during idol immersions and are based on the understanding that this period coincides with the natural breeding season for these creatures. This survey is conducted with the help of local fishermen.”