HC to Maharashtra Government: Consider using NMMC software for pandal permission

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The Bombay High Court today asked the Maharashtra government to consider adopting an "innovative" software being developed by NMMC for local governing bodies to process applications seeking permission to erect pandals or temporary booths.

A division bench of justices A S Oka and P N Deshmukh, hearing petitions relating to illegal pandals and obstructions caused by them, was informed by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) that it was developing a software to deal with such issues. Explaining its functioning, NMMC said that on receipt of online applications the concerned officer would first scrutinise them and see if requisite documents are attached. Once satisfied, NMMC added, the officer would mark an application to the concerned police station, traffic police and fire brigade department, who would be provided with login IDs.

"The concerned police station, traffic police and fire brigade department would after verification upload their NOCs on the software within 10 days," the NMMC told the court in an affidavit. After the NOC is received, the deputy engineer of the concerned ward would visit the site, take photographs and record his report about the pandal not affecting traffic movement and pedestrians within 10 days thereafter.

"Once the permission is granted, an e-mail and SMS would be generated from the software and sent to the concerned applicant with instructions to pay the fees online," it said. The court, after perusing the affidavit, said it was an "innovative" software. "The state government should go through this measure and see if the same can be adopted by all other municipal corporations and district councils," the court said, posting the petitions for further hearing on March 1.

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