BMC denying permission to set up Ganpati pandals: 9 Khetwadi mandals

Organisers from Khetwadi said they were informed that there were problem related to issuance of NOC last year owing to height norms

Nine Ganpati mandals in Khetwadi alleged they have been denied permission to set up pandals this year. They said permission was denied on the grounds that mandals had failed to secure permission from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) last year.

The Bombay high court had passed orders relating to layout and location of pandals to ensure safety of visitors. (Pic for representation/ Ht file photo)

“All the mandals are more than 60 years old and have been abiding by the rule book for the past 25 years. If they didn’t take permission last year, there is no rule which states that permission should denied this year,” said Naresh Dahibavkar, president of Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshostsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS).

He added until last year, some mandals got permission to set up pandals on the day of visarjan.

Organisers from Khetwadi said they were informed that there were problem related to issuance of no-objection certificate (NOC) last year owing to height norms. Organisers said they were in talks with authorities and trying to fine-tune arrangements to secure permission this year. The Bombay high court had passed orders relating to layout and location of pandals to ensure safety of visitors.

Commenting on the issue, police authorities said they co-ordinate with mandals to ensure that everything is in order during Ganeshotsav.

“If mandals have issues, they can approach any of the officers in the jurisdiction. Once problems are resolved, there is no question of denying permission,” said a senior officer from the office of deputy commissioner of police at Khetwadi.

The 14 lanes of Khetwadi are famous for their decoration and huge Ganesha idols adorned with jewels, with most of them organising festivities for more than 50 years now.