India, Aug. 23 -- In a major eco-conscious push ahead of Ganeshotsav, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has unveiled 139 artificial ponds and 28 mobile immersion tanks across its eight administrative zones, while retaining 22 traditional immersion sites with upgraded safety and sanitation measures.

The initiative is designed to decentralise idol immersion, ease the load on natural water bodies, and encourage greener celebrations among devotees.

Artificial ponds have been spread across Belapur (19), Nerul (28), Vashi (24), Turbhe (26), Koparkhairane (21), Ghansoli (14), Airoli (16), and Digha (1), with 10 additional ponds created inside private housing societies and institutions.

Municipal Commissioner Kailas Shinde said the ...