Big Relief For Mumbai Ganesh Mandals: Now Pay Only Rs 2,000 To Dig Pits For Pandals
BMC has rolled back the Rs 15,000 digging penalty for Ganesh pandals, bringing relief to Mandals ahead of the festive season
In a big relief for thousands of Ganesh Mandals across Mumbai, the hefty Rs 15,000 penalty charged by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for digging pits to erect pandals during Ganeshotsav is now being rolled back. Going forward, Mandals will have to pay just Rs 2,000, restoring the previous fee structure and sparing them an unreasonable financial burden.
This decision comes after consistent follow-up by Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde intervened on Thursday and instructed BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to revise the penalty. The announcement has brought immense relief to Mandals gearing up for the grand Ganeshotsav celebrations starting next month.
For Ganesh Mandals, which are central to Maharashtra's cultural and spiritual identity, this change means more freedom to celebrate without worrying about harsh civic penalties. The revised amount of Rs 2,000 ensures that small and mid-size Mandals can continue their tradition with dignity and devotion.
The turning point came on Wednesday, during the 'Raja Chhatrapati Samasya Samadhan Shibir' held at BMC's C-Ward office, where representatives of various Mandals voiced their concerns. Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who was present, immediately assured them that the issue would be resolved. He declared, 'Ganeshotsav is an inseparable part of Maharashtra's culture, and it must be celebrated with full enthusiasm. The government will stand by the Mandals."
True to his word, Lodha followed up with civic officials and brought the matter to the attention of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, leading to swift and decisive action.
The move has been widely welcomed across Mumbai, with several Ganesh Mandals expressing gratitude to the government. Organisers say this gesture reflects the administration's commitment to preserving traditions and easing procedural stress during festival preparations.
As the countdown to Ganeshotsav begins, this timely decision is being seen not just as an administrative reform, but as a cultural reassurance. With reduced fees and strong government support, Mumbai is now all set to celebrate Ganpati Bappa's arrival with more joy and fewer hurdles.
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