Every year, several associations across Mumbai seek permission to set up a mandal for Ganesh Chaturthi. Following the same pattern, this year too, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has given permission to 1,820 public associations to set up Ganeshotsav Mandals for the festivities.
However, as per records, the number of applications has reduced in comparison to the previous years. A total of 2,350 applications were received by the BMC, out of which 1820 were approved.
The reduction in the number was observed due to the coronavirus outbreak, whereby some large associations have cancelled this years’ Ganeshotsav, following the guidelines issued by the government. Meanwhile, some has respected the decision given, and have planned the celebrations in a simple manner.
In order to celebrate Ganeshotsav with a public mandal, associations have to get prior permission of Mumbai Municipal Corporation. The municipal corporation had arranged online permission process for the same, and as per the decision given by the High Court has ruled, only tents that do not obstruct traffic were allowed. Therefore, it was mandatory for the mandals to erect mandaps on the road only after seeking permission from the municipality.
Permissions were given by the Municipal Corporation only after the certificate of non-obstruction of traffic is given by the police. Associations which did not comply with court directions were denied permission.
Accordingly, out of 2,350 applications received by the municipality till noon on Friday, August 21, 256 applications were rejected. Further, 274 applications were being scrutinized at various stages and process are underway to complete the required steps.
As per records, more than 12,000 such applications are received by the corporation every year. Observing some concerns, BJP leader Ashish Shelar also raised questions with regards to the process used by the ruling party to get permission from the High Court.
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