According to the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, the number of mandals has increased by 5-10% in the city; the BMC has not given new permissions in the last 8 years
The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) was formed in order to co-ordinate with the BMC on the issues of potholes, banners, permission for new Ganpati pandals, etc. However, it seems that the two bodies have been unable to see eye-to-eye on various issues.
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While the Samiti claims that the number of Ganpati mandals has increased by 5-10 per cent in the city, the BMC has not given any permission to new mandals in the last eight years.
Last year, under the new policy for recreational ground and playground (RG/PG), the civic body prohibited new pandals to be constructed on recreation grounds, playgrounds and open spaces, reducing the chances of any new pandal coming up in the city.
Across the 24 wards, the civic body has given permission to about 10,000-odd pandals, however, the BSGSS has names of more than 12,000 pandals registered with them.
While the BMC claims that they are facing issues at the ward level while keeping records and most permissions have not been approved due to issues like road digging and traffic, the Samiti says that lack of permission would not stop new mandals from coming up, as they can also be set up on private premises.
Officialspeak
“If the BMC does not give permission, that doesn’t mean there will be no celebration. This year we received registration requests from many new mandals and it will continue, and we are looking for private space where they can set up the pandals,” said Naresh Dahibavkar, president of BSGSS.
Additional municipal commissioner Mohan Adtani said, “After the introduction of RG/PG policy and open spaces, we have not given permission to new mandals. If open spaces are being used, we will take strict action against the mandal and the pandal will be removed.
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