BMC Denies Mandatory Fitness Certificate for Large Ganesh Idols Ahead of Ganeshotsav 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has denied claims circulating on social media that new requirements have been introduced for large Ganesh idols ahead of Ganeshotsav 2026. The civic body said it has not made fitness certificates mandatory for idols weighing more than one tonne and has not introduced a compulsory system to track an idol from construction to delivery at a Ganeshotsav mandal.

The clarification was issued on Wednesday, August 26, after messages circulated online claimed that Ganeshotsav mandals and idol makers would have to obtain fitness certificates for idols above a specified weight and maintain detailed records throughout the idol’s construction and delivery process. Mumbai Ganesh Idol Accident: 2 Killed, 5 Injured After 22-Foot ‘Bhuleshwar Cha Raja’ Collapses During Procession (Video).

BMC Denies Viral Claims On Ganesh Idol Fitness Certificates 

🔷श्री गणेशमूर्तींसाठी स्थैर्यता प्रमाणपत्र (Fitness Certificate) अनिवार्य करणे तसेच मूर्तीच्या जडणघडणीपासून ते वितरणापर्यंतची संपूर्ण माहिती ठेवणे बंधनकारक असल्याचे वृत्त विविध समाजमाध्यमांवर प्रसारित होत आहे.

तथापी, बृहन्मुंबई महानगरपालिकेकडून अशा प्रकारचे कोणतेही निर्देश…

— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) August 26, 2026

BMC Denies Mandatory Fitness Certificates for Ganesh Idols

The BMC said reports claiming that fitness certificates would be compulsory for Ganesh idols based on their weight are factually incorrect. According to the civic body, no decision has been taken to make a fitness certificate mandatory for idols weighing more than one tonne. The clarification comes ahead of Ganeshotsav 2026, as preparations for the festival are underway across Mumbai.

No Mandatory Record Of Idol Construction And Delivery

The civic administration has also denied reports that mandals or idol makers would be required to maintain complete information about an idol from the time it is constructed until it is delivered to a Ganeshotsav mandal. The BMC said no such instructions have been issued.

It has appealed to Ganeshotsav mandals and devotees to avoid believing or forwarding unverified messages circulating on social media and other platforms. The civic body said citizens should rely on official information from the administration rather than messages or reports that have not been verified.

BMC Stresses Safety During Idol Arrivals

While rejecting the claims about certification and tracking requirements, the BMC said safety would remain an important consideration during the arrival of Ganesh idols.

The civic administration has appealed to Ganesh mandals to coordinate with the police and traffic departments, as well as the concerned civic authorities, while planning the arrival of idols.

Such coordination is intended to help manage idol processions and the movement of vehicles and people on roads during the festival. The BMC has also asked organisers to work with the relevant authorities and take necessary precautions while making arrangements for idol arrivals and related activities.

BMC Appeals To Citizens To Verify Information

The civic body said coordinated planning between Ganeshotsav mandals and government agencies would help ensure that the festival is conducted safely and without disruption. It urged organisers and devotees to follow instructions issued by the relevant authorities and cooperate with civic and law enforcement personnel.

With preparations for Ganeshotsav 2026 underway, the BMC reiterated that there is currently no requirement for a fitness certificate for Ganesh idols weighing more than one tonne.

It also reiterated that no compulsory system has been introduced to track an idol from its construction through to its delivery to a mandal. The BMC has therefore urged citizens and organisers to disregard the claims circulating on social media regarding these alleged requirements and to verify information before acting on or sharing it.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2026 11:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).