Ganeshotsav 2026: Ganesh mandals must ensure prasad purity, follow FDA norms, says Maharashtra CM Fadnavis

Ganesh mandals should ensure the purity and safety of prasad distributed during public Ganeshotsav 2026 and strictly comply with Food and Drug Administration FDA norms Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on ThursdayFadnavis urged mandals to familiarise themselves with food safety regulations and seek necessary guidance and training to ensure devotees are served pure and adulterationfree prasadHe issued the directions during a meeting at Sahyadri Guest House to review law and order and other arrangements for Ganeshotsav 2026Mandals administration urged to coordinateFadnavis praised the scale of Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations in Mumbai and stressed the need to carry forward the ideals of social integration and public awareness promoted by Lokmanya Tilak through the festivalHe said that with Ganeshotsav accorded the status of a state festival maintaining its discipline and sanctity was a collective responsibility of citizens the administration mandals and various organisationsHe called for close coordination between the administration Ganesh mandals and coordination committees to ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations Issues faced by mandals should be resolved promptly and shortcomings in arrangements addressed he saidClear pending permissions quicklyFadnavis said Mumbai and Pune have developed established systems for conducting Ganeshotsav over the years but authorities must identify and address new challenges emerging each yearHe directed officials to ensure that permissionrelated issues faced by mandals do not remain pending Since most permissions for existing mandals are routine the administration should take proactive steps to process them quickly he saidKeep immersion routes potholefreeAuthorities should ensure that routes used for the arrival and immersion of Ganesh idols are maintained in good condition across municipal areas Fadnavis saidHe directed officials to ensure that the routes are potholefree and adequately illuminated at nightFadnavis also said Section 143 of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Act provides for property tax exemption for offices registered in the name of trustsEligible mandals should apply with the required documents he said adding that the municipal commissioner had approved the proposalStrict action over firecracker loudspeaker violationsPolice should keep a close watch on violations involving firecrackers loudspeakers and other activities during the festival and take strict action against offenders Fadnavis saidHe also asked mandals to recheck safety arrangements for Ganesh idol processions particularly those carrying large idols The state government will provide the necessary assistance he assuredFadnavis highlights High Court order on PoP idolsFadnavis said the High Courts decision to retain last years order on Ganeshotsav had significantly reduced difficulties faced by mandalsHe said the government had informed the court that appropriate procedures were being implemented to prevent Plaster of Paris PoP idols from being immersed in the sea or riverbeds and causing pollutionShinde calls for coordinated effortsDeputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde urged the government administration and Ganesh mandals to work together to ensure the festival is celebrated in an atmosphere of enthusiasm discipline and harmonyHe said the police municipal corporations and other concerned departments had planned arrangements for the safe and orderly arrival and immersion of Ganesh idols while suggestions from mandals had also been incorporated1850 km of Mumbai roads concretisedShinde said around 1850 km of roads in Mumbai have been concretised and directed the municipal administration to ensure that there are no potholes along Ganesh idol arrival and immersion routesHe also said steps had been initiated to provide Ganesh mandals with permissions valid for five yearsMandals asked to stay alert to social media rumoursShinde urged mandal officebearers and volunteers to remain vigilant against attempts to spread rumours through social mediaHe asked them to immediately alert the police or concerned authorities about any suspicious activityWhile transporting large idols mandals should ensure the safety of their structures including nuts bolts welding and other joints he saidHe also urged mandals to ensure that children and devotees maintain a safe distance from large idols during arrival and immersion processions