Ganpati 2022: Additional Regulations For Pandals This Year; Focus To Limit potholes

Ahead of the Ganeshotsav, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced several guidelines to be followed by the pandal owners and organisers. These are in addition with the regulations put forth in July.

This development also comes as all restrictions are lifted by the state government, the processions are set to achieve the pre-pandemic pomp.

It has come to light that the prime condition is to not add to the potholes on Mumbai roads amid several incidents and casualties being reported this year as well.

Meanwhile, it is pertinent to note that the state government had waived all charges payable by mandals for BMC permissions. Moreover, a single-window system was set up by the civic body.

Read the guidelines here:

• For every pothole resulting from a procession or erecting of pandals, a penalty amounting to INR 2,000 will be levied.
• No pandal should be more than 30 feet high and no Ganpati idol should be taller than 20 feet.
• Mandals that erect pandals on pavements should leave enough space for pedestrians to walk. Enough space needs to be left for commuters and vehicles near railway stations, bus stops, and auto and taxi stands. Applicants must fulfil all fire safety conditions before applying.
• The BMC has also prohibited use of tobacco, gutkha and liquor advertisements in the 100-metre radius of a pandal. All other ads will be allowed at nominal charges.
• Mandals also need to follow noise pollution rules and maintain prescribed decibel levels. Besides displaying the BMC permission outside the pandal, they also need to display a map of the area, mentioning pedestrian and motorable ways in the vicinity. They should also have a blueprint of crowd management plans.
• Also on display should be phone numbers of authorities like the police, nearby hospitals, and complaint numbers of the pollution control board.
• People can register complaints regarding noise pollution with the local ward office. The assistant commissioner of every ward will appoint an officer to deal with these complaints.

Also Read: Ganeshotsav 2022: Here's Why Maharashtra sees steep demand for festival-related services this year