Mumbai: Ganpati mandals with lesser noise to get Rs 2,000 from UMC

Ulhasnagar civic chief announces cash prizes of rupees Two thousand to encourage devotees and citizens to bring about a change in the environment during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival

UMC chief Rajendra Nimbalkar

A week before Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations begin in the city, an announcement by the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) is making noise for all the right reasons. UMC has announced cash prizes of R2,000 for mandals that will not blare loud music during the festival.

UMC chief Rajendra Nimbalkar announced the prize to encourage devotees and citizens to bring about a change in the environment. The prize was decided upon two days ago, during a meeting with UMC staff and the police.

Keep a watch
Nimbalkar said, "We have recently announced the prize. Last year, there were around 300 mandals [registered] in the corporation. This year, we have asked everyone to visit the corporation office before August 25 and enrol in the initiative. All citizens and staff will keep a watch on the Ganesh mandals to see whether or not they are playing loud music."

The cash prizes will be distributed after immersions on the 10th day. "We will keep a watch for 10 days and then post a list of the winning mandals. It will basically be a pledge to save the environment and celebrate the festival in a silent and positive way," added Nimbalkar.

Activists oppose
However, local activists are against the cash prizes, alleging that the commissioner is misusing funds. "The tax we pay to the authorities is for the development of the city and not for such cash prizes," said an activist.

Replying to the comment, Nimbalkar said the funds being used for the prizes would be from the environment fund, "Usually, we carry out different initiatives to save the environment. Harsh music being played by DJs also disturbs it. Thus, we have come up this initiative, which will help change the environment."

300
Number of mandals registered with UMC last year

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