<p>The <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-bmc-accelerates-pre-monsoon-desilting-sets-may-31-deadline-23623061" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation</a> (BMC) will offer free permissions to sculptors making eco-friendly Ganesh idols to set up temporary mandaps for the 2026 Ganeshotsav and Navratri festivals, according to a civic circular.</p>
<p>The move is aimed at encouraging the use of environmentally friendly materials in idol-making, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce pollution during festival seasons.</p>
<h2>Free Spaces Subject to Availability</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-bmc-to-launch-vruksha-sanjeevani-tree-revival-drive-in-april-23623053" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Civic officials</a> said that spaces for temporary mandaps will be allotted free of cost to eligible sculptors, depending on availability. The allotment will follow a &ldquo;first come, first served&rdquo; basis and will be limited to those producing eco-friendly idols.</p>
<p>The civic body will also provide &lsquo;shadu&rsquo; clay to such sculptors. Natural colours may be supplied in limited quantities, subject to availability.</p>
<h2>Online Permission System Introduced</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-bmc-nears-completion-of-powai-lake-sewage-free-project-rs-1-1-crore-upgrade-planned-23622977" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">The BMC</a> has introduced an online &ldquo;single window system&rdquo; for permissions on its website from March 27. Applications for Ganeshotsav and Navratri idol-making can be submitted until October 10, 2026, while permissions will be valid until October 20.</p>
<p>Officials said the system is intended to streamline approvals by bringing multiple permissions under one platform.</p>
<h2>Guidelines and Compliance Measures</h2>
<p>The circular follows directions related to environmental norms and court-mandated guidelines on festival-related activities. The civic body has issued detailed instructions regarding the construction and use of temporary mandaps.</p>
<p>Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2) and Ganeshotsav Coordinator Prashant Sapkale confirmed that <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-bmc-assures-support-to-best-undertaking-promises-to-clear-pending-dues-23622963" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">the guidelines</a> have been issued for implementation ahead of the festival season.</p>
<h2>Conditions for Permission</h2>
<p>According to the circular, permissions will be granted only to eco-friendly idol makers, and the use of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols is not allowed under this scheme. The allotted spaces cannot be used for commercial sale of idols.</p>
<p>Applicants will have to submit required documents, including undertakings, fire safety declarations and, where applicable, society no-objection certificates. <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-bmc-seeks-plans-for-four-entry-gates-within-15-days-23622560" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Permissions</a> will be processed after scrutiny and subject to clearances from police and traffic authorities.</p>
<p>The circular also states that digging of roads or footpaths for mandap construction is prohibited. Violations will attract a penalty of Rs 2,000 per pit.</p>
<h2>Part of Broader Environmental Push</h2>
<p>The initiative is part of the civic body&rsquo;s efforts to promote less polluting festival practices in Mumbai, particularly during large-scale celebrations such as Ganeshotsav, which have significant environmental impact each year.</p>

BMC) will offer free permissions to sculptors making eco-friendly Ganesh idols to set up temporary mandaps for the 2026 Ganeshotsav and Navratri festivals

Mumbai: BMC to offer free mandap permissions for eco-friendly idol makers for Ganeshotsav 2026

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The move is aimed at encouraging the use of environmentally friendly materials in idol-making, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce pollution during festival seasons

Mumbai: BMC to offer free mandap permissions for eco-friendly Ganesh idols

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