BMC Spent INR 247 Cr on Ganpati Festivity Arrangements Since 2007, RTI Reveals

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has spent INR 247.79 crore on arrangements for the Ganpati festival in mumbai since 2007–2008, according to information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The RTI was filed by Godfrey Pimenta.

As per the report, the annual spending has remained above INR 25 crore, even during the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Activists have raised questions about why costs continued to rise despite limited celebrations during those years.

BMC data shows that expenditure rose from INR 0.32 crore in 2007–08 to INR 54.47 crore in 2024–25. The highest spending so far was INR 54.47 crore in 2024–25, followed by INR 49.10 crore in 2023–24. This year, the civic body has already spent INR 91 lakh.

The sharpest jumps came between 2019–20 and 2020–21, when spending went from INR 10.2 crore to INR 22.88 crore, an increase of 124 percent. The expenses include barricading, lighting, stage construction, artificial ponds, and additional amenities provided during Ganeshotsav. 

In 2020, the Central Pollution Control Board issued guidelines making it mandatory to immerse Plaster of Paris idols in artificial water bodies. Activists say this policy may explain the rising expenses, as BMC has been setting up such ponds since 2006.

In 2024–25, the civic body also distributed free shadu clay to idol makers and introduced eco-friendly paint to promote sustainable practices. BMC has also expanded the number of artificial ponds for idol immersion across the city. This year, 288 ponds have been set up across 25 wards, compared to 204 last year. Devotees are also given access to LED screens outside immersion points to view visarjans.

However, activists allege that some institutions supported by political leaders benefit from these arrangements. They argue that costs are inflated and do not go through proper checks.