So far, BMC has distributed 907 tonnes of Shadu clay free of cost to sculptors and provided temporary workspace to 979 idol makers. In addition, it has communicated with the Divisional Commissioner of Konkan to ensure sufficient provision of materials and support to artisans in the region, from where many idols are brought to Mumbai
Ganeshotsav mandal organisers will no longer have to make separate visits to local police stations or traffic departments for obtaining no-objection certificates (NOCs). Representational pic
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched an online single-window system to streamline the process of obtaining permissions for public Ganpati mandals to construct pandals across the city. The initiative aims to make the procedure more efficient and accessible, while promoting eco-friendly celebrations.
The move comes after the Maharashtra government’s declared Ganeshotsav as the ‘State Festival of Maharashtra’.
From Monday, Ganpati mandals can apply for setting up mandap permissions and renewals via BMC’s official portal: https://portal.mcgm.gov.in.
Ganeshotsav mandal organisers will no longer have to make separate visits to local police stations or traffic departments for obtaining no-objection certificates (NOCs) as these will be processed internally by the BMC under the guidance of Assistant Commissioners and Zonal Deputy Commissioners.
To facilitate the process, BMC has developed a user-friendly digital application system. Mandals can visit the official portal, click on the ‘Apply’ link under the ‘For citizens’ section, and choose the ‘Mandap (Public Ganeshotsav/Navratri/Other Festivals)’ option to begin their application.
Emphasis on pothole-free paths
The civic body has urged mandals to avoid digging roads and footpaths while constructing pandals. Instead, they are encouraged to adopt pothole-free construction methods. In cases where digging is found, the mandal concerned will be charged restoration costs and penalised per pothole.
Push for eco-friendly celebrations
In line with its sustainability drive, BMC has initiated several measures to promote eco-friendly Ganesh celebrations. Mandals have been encouraged to install eco-friendly idols and use natural materials for decoration and displays. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 will begin on August 27.
So far, the Mumbai civic body has distributed 907 tonnes of Shadu clay free of cost to sculptors and provided temporary workspace to 979 idol makers. In addition, it has communicated with the Divisional Commissioner of Konkan to ensure sufficient provision of materials and support to artisans in the region, from where many idols are brought to Mumbai for sale.
The corporation, in a press release on Tuesday, said confident that citizens, Ganesh mandals, and devotees will wholeheartedly support its efforts to ensure a people-centric and environmentally responsible Ganeshotsav.
Konkan Railway launches unique car ferry service for Ganeshotsav
The Konkan Railway is set to launch its service to ferry private cars between Mumbai and Goa by train, just in time for Ganeshotsav. The initiative will begin from August 23 between Kolad, Maharashtra, and Verna, Goa. This is the first time in India that such a service is being launched. A maximum of three people per car will be allowed to travel in the attached 3AC coach on paying the prescribed fare. Freight charges per car will be Rs 7875 in each direction, with 40 cars per train. “The departure from Kolad will be at 5 pm, reaching Verna at 5 am the next day. Customers shall report at the starting station on or before 2 pm, that is, three hours before departure,” an official said. The train journey will take about 12 hours, halving the time taken by road (20 to 22 hours, depending on traffic).
“The train will have a composition of 20 wagons, and each wagon will be loaded with two cars. In the event fewer than 16 cars per trip are booked, the service will be cancelled. The driver and accompanying passengers shall travel in the passenger coach attached to the train by paying the prescribed fare for the applicable class — Rs 935 per passenger for 3AC class, and Rs 190 for 2S class seating. A maximum of three passengers (Two passengers in 3AC coach and one pax in Seating cum Luggage (SLR coach) will be permitted against each car booking,” he added.
To ensure safety, the cars will be lashed onto the train with a belt, and travellers will be asked to engage the handbrakes. No one will be allowed to travel in the car while it is on the train.
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