BMC to Slash Pothole Penalties Ahead of Ganesh Festival

In response to public outrage, Mumbai's guardian minister hinted at reducing the penalty for road digging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 2,000 per pothole. This move comes after backlash from Ganesh mandals. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had recently increased the fine for road digs in preparation for the festival starting August 27.

Amid rising tensions and public discontent, Mumbai's suburban district guardian minister, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, announced intentions to negotiate a reduction in the penalties imposed on road digs for Ganesh festival preparations. Currently set at Rs 15,000, the fines may be reduced to Rs 2,000 per pothole.

This development comes after widespread protests from various Ganesh mandals against the July 21 circular by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The circular had implemented the steep hike, citing infrastructure maintenance and safety concerns.

The Ganesh festival, set to commence on August 27, sees numerous mandals installing pandals across the city, a process often involving road digging. As the celebrations approach, negotiations continue to avert disruption and ensure smooth festival proceedings.

(With inputs from agencies.)