With just a week left for the commencement of Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved 854 applications from Ganpati mandals to set up pandals across Mumbai.
This figure represents approximately 30% of the 2,829 applications received by the civic body so far, as it prepares for one of the city’s most prominent cultural festivals. Decisions on the remaining 2,000 pending applications are expected over the next 10 days. Annually, sarvajanik Ganesh mandals across Mumbai seek BMC’s approval to set up pandals, a requirement that has seen fluctuating figures in recent years. Last year, the BMC received 3,767 applications, approving 2,729 of them, amounting to 72% of the total requests. In 2022, the numbers were slightly lower, with 3,487 applications received and 2,417 approvals granted.
This year’s uptick in applications is attributed to the BMC’s streamlined single-window system, which has simplified the permission process significantly. A civic official noted, “The single-window system eliminates the need for organisers to navigate multiple departments, which has increased their enthusiasm and, consequently, the number of applications submitted.” Furthermore, the BMC’s plan to deploy over 200 artificial lakes for the immersion of idols has also contributed to the rise in permit requests, reflecting a proactive approach to managing the festival’s environmental impact and logistical challenges.
Despite these positive steps, some applications have been rejected due to issues such as duplicity and objections from the traffic police, who have withheld No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for pandals that could potentially obstruct traffic. This regulatory vigilance underscores the BMC’s commitment to balancing festive celebrations with urban management needs. Naresh Dahibavkar, president of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, pointed out that technical challenges have also posed hurdles in the registration process. “Even with the single-window system, organisers are facing difficulties, including server outages and issues related to the payment of application fees,” Dahibavkar stated.
The Ganesh festival, set to commence on September 7, marks a significant period in Mumbai’s cultural calendar, drawing millions of devotees and tourists alike. As the city gears up for the 10-day celebrations, the BMC’s handling of pandal permissions will play a crucial role in ensuring that the festival unfolds smoothly, balancing the needs of tradition, public safety, and urban management. The next few days will be critical as the civic body navigates the final stages of its permit process, determining the fate of over 2,000 pending applications and setting the stage for a grand Ganeshotsav.
