Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday announced a rollback of the recent controversial Rs 15,000 fine hike imposed on Ganeshotsav mandals for potholes near their pandals during the festival. Following a discussion with Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Shinde directed that the penalty remain at the original Rs 2,000 per pothole, offering relief to mandals ahead of the festival.
Shinde Intervenes After Backlash
In a post on X, Shinde said, “After discussing the matter with the Commissioner, I have directed that the fine should not be increased.” He also urged mandals to avoid digging concrete roads and to adopt modern, non-invasive methods for setting up pandals to minimise infrastructure damage.
The decision came following the intervention of State Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who on Wednesday assured mandals that the fine would be reduced and promised to take up the matter with the BMC commissioner.
For years, the BMC has levied fines on Ganeshotsav mandals for potholes found near their pandals post-festival, with the penalty standing at Rs 2,000 per pothole. However, a BMC notice issued on July 21 this year hiked the fine to Rs15,000, triggering widespread concern among mandals.
BSGSS Welcomes Relief Measure
Naresh Dahibavkar, president of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), welcomed the rollback, stating, “The decision is a great relief for Ganeshotsav mandals, as Rs 15,000 per pothole would have placed a major financial burden on them.”
