MUMBAI: Two mandals in
Bandra and
Goregaon were forced to dismantle portions of their Ganpati pandals obstructing pedestrian movement on Saturday.
The BMC has now asked them to apply afresh for approvals. At Bandra, the pandals had covered a BEST bus stop and after activists brought it to the notice of the BMC, the mandals’ permission was revoked on Thursday. On Saturday, the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, a body that coordinates between mandals and authorities, issued guidelines that state organisers should not play film songs, except devotional ones, and noise levels should not cross 55 decibels.
The Bombay HC in its order two years ago said pandals should not obstruct flow of traffic, pedestrian movement and should not create noise pollution. On August 7, it sought a compliance report from the government and fixed the next hearing for September 12. It said it will initiate contempt proceedings if violations of its orders is found. ABMC officer said, “This time, the civic body is firm on implementing the HC directive.”
Naresh Dahibavkar, president of the Samanvay Samiti, said, “There is lack of awareness among mandals about the court order and hence, we are educating them.” After a meeting with the CM, Samanvay Samiti had said that they have been granted permission to play music up to midnight on September 14, 17, 22 and 23. On other days, the organisers can play music from 6am to 10pm. On Saturday, BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta asked officials to ensure that pandals do not violate court orders.
This pandal in Bandra had eaten up the bus stop; part of it has been removed
