Now, public outdoor events in Mumbai will get permit in just 72 hours

Organisers can approach their respective BMC ward offices and file an application online

It will now be easier to organise outdoor events such as marathons or concerts at public spaces, as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has simplified the method to obtain civic and fire brigade permissions to host such programmes.

The BMC has simplified the method of obtaining civic and fire brigade permissions to host outdoor events such as marathons and concerts in outdoor public spaces. (HT File photo for representation)

On Thursday, the BMC introduced a single window online clearance system to obtain permissions for outdoor programs. According to a senior civic official, under the umbrella of BMC’s ease of doing business policy, applications for event permissions will be processed centrally and can be obtained within 72 hours from the time of the application.

Contrary to the earlier provision, where the applicant had to approach four civic departments for permissions separately including the health department, building and factory department, license department, and environment department, they can now approach the respective ward and file the application online, along with scanned copies of all requisite documents.

Similarly, the BMC has eliminated the need to separately apply for a no-objection certificate from the fire brigade, which is included in the online application form.

Along with the single window clearance system for permissions, BMC has also simplified the fee calculation method. The earlier method mandated a physical examination of the spot demarcated for the program, to calculate the area of land used to conduct the event. This was because charges were calculated on a per square metre basis for hosting any program. This has now been stratified into three categories, and charges have been fixed for programs on open spaces measuring less than 500 square metre, between 500 and 1000 square metre, and open spaces measuring more than 1000 square metre.

Following this development, events such as the annual marathon conducted in South Mumbai, which bring a large number of tourists to the city, won’t have to approach individual departments for clearance to host the program, which is a time-consuming process.

Under the ease of doing business policy, BMC’s business development department earlier simplified procedures to obtain permissions for trade related businesses, license issued by the shops and establishments department for setting up shops, license issued by the health department for eateries, and permissions issued by the building and factory department.