Mumbai: Garba organisers demand promised one-window clearance

MUMBAI: Garba organisers in Mumbai say the single window system for event permissions is still not operational despite years of assurance. They have to approach RTO, fire brigade, BMC and police multiple times, and grease palms to secure clearance at every step.
Ganesh Naidu, organiser of Borivli's Kora Kendra event, says, "From the fire brigade and RTO to PWD, police to BMC, DCP and ACP, from structural engineers to electric meter authorities, we have to negotiate the labyrinth of the network. The CM did promise us one window clearance but it is still to be rolled out. Gujarat, on the other hand, has done it so smoothly."

Understandably, red tapism and corruption is a way of life. Another organiser in Borivli says that despite all the paperwork, only a bribe helps push the files onto the next desk.

Anupama Bhalla, vice president of Nesco Events, Goregaon says, "We require at least six or seven permissions from various authorities, so single window clearance is the need of the hour. We need to submit various documents including layout and parking plans, and we do follow all the rules. Moreover, it would be nice if the authorities could devise a way of permitting celebrations beyond 10 pm in non residential zones. Office goers who arrive home from work and then travel to the venue only reach by 8.30-9 pm."

State government officials admit there has been a delay in implementation. This year too it is unlikely that the system will be in place. They said the BMC and police were to take forward the one window permission for Navratri. The BMC did start this system for Ganpati pandals to seek permissions this year.