Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 31: In a major relief to Ganeshotsav mandals, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday announced the withdrawal of the steep Rs 15,000 fine recently imposed for potholes found near festival pandals. The penalty will now remain at the earlier rate of Rs 2,000 per pothole.

The decision came after Shinde held discussions with Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. Taking to social media, Shinde said, “After discussing the matter with the Commissioner, I have directed that the fine should not be increased.” He also appealed to mandals to avoid digging concrete roads and instead adopt modern, non-invasive methods for erecting pandals.

The rollback followed intervention by State Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who assured mandals that the issue would be taken up with the BMC chief. On July 21, the BMC had issued a notice hiking the pothole penalty to Rs 15,000, drawing strong opposition from festival organisers.

Naresh Dahibavkar, president of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, welcomed the move, saying, “The decision is a great relief for Ganeshotsav mandals, as Rs 15,000 per pothole would have placed a major financial burden on them.”