Cap height of dahi handis, says state

After the death of two govindas due to injuries they suffered during Gokulashtami festivities last week, dahi handi organisers have decided to hold talks with the state government to frame a policy for having a cap on the height of dahi handis.

After the death of two govindas due to injuries they suffered during Gokulashtami festivities last week, dahi handi organisers have decided to hold talks with the state government to frame a policy for having a cap on the height of dahi handis. The move comes after chief minister Ashok Chavan, on Friday, said that deaths during the festival upset him the most.

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“What upsets me more is that the organisers hardly talk about supporting kin of the dead. Will organisers, including political parties, take responsibility for causing deaths?” said Chavan, adding that formulating stricter regulations could prevent deaths.

Kurla resident Deepak More, 22, who was admitted to Sion hospital on September 4 after his head hit a metal bar while travelling atop a truck along with members of the Bal Ganesh Mitra Mandal, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday. On September 5, Kishor Kamble, a Thane youth died after falling while attempting to break a dahi handi.

“What organisers only talk about is the number of layers at the dahi handi,” said Chavan. “If consensus allows, I will make regulations harsher and enforce implementation as well. But, if I’m able to do so, I should not be accused of stopping festivities.”

The chief minister added that he expected all political parties to support the move and take responsibility for the deaths.

State Housing Minister Sachin Ahir, who is also a dahi handi organiser at Worli, agreed with Chavan. “There is need for a committee to be formed with guidelines and rules framed for capping the height for govindas. There should be some limitation to the height,” said Ahir.

The organisers want the issue of insurance cover for govindas also to be discussed. “This year, the number of deaths and injuries to govindas were more. The insurance cover for govindas should also be discussed so as to minimise the risk,” said Sanjay Nirupam, a Member of Parliament, who organises a handi at Borivli.