BMC Denies Mandatory Fitness Certificates For Ganesh Idols

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has clarified that it has not made fitness certificates mandatory for large Ganesh idols in Mumbai. This clarification came after reports circulated on social media claiming that the civic body had decided to introduce mandatory fitness certificates for Ganesh idols weighing more than one tonne.

The reports had claimed that the decision was taken following the recent Bhuleshwar idol accident, in which two people were killed and several others injured. However, the BMC has denied having taken any such decision. In a post on social media, the BMC said that reports suggesting that a fitness certificate was compulsory for Shri Ganesh idols were incorrect.

The civic body also denied having taken any decision to mandate the maintenance of detailed information about an idol throughout the process, from its crafting to its distribution. The BMC urged Ganeshotsav committees and devotees not to believe or circulate such information.

The clarification comes amid reports that the civic administration was considering a dedicated safety framework for the transportation and arrival of large Ganesh idols ahead of Ganeshotsav. Several reports had claimed that the proposed measures could include structural safety checks, fitness certificates and monitoring of heavy idols from the manufacturing stage until their arrival at pandals.

A meeting had reportedly been held to discuss a dedicated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the safety, certification and transportation of large idols, following the Bhuleshwar incident. The reported proposals also included maintaining information about heavy idols and monitoring their movement to prevent accidents.

The BMC's latest statement, however, makes it clear that no such certification or record-keeping directive has been issued or finalised. The civic body said it was nevertheless important for Ganeshotsav committees to prioritise safety during idol arrival processions.

The BMC appealed to mandals to coordinate closely with the Mumbai Police, traffic authorities and the BMC while transporting idols. The issue has gained attention ahead of Ganeshotsav, when thousands of Ganesh idols, including several large and heavy installations, are transported through Mumbai's roads.

The BMC has also been focusing on road safety during the festival, with officials directed to ensure that routes used for Ganesh idol processions are safe and secure. The civic body has urged mandals to take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and ensure a safe and smooth celebration of the festival.

In a related development, the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal has extended financial aid of ₹11 lakh to the Bhuleshwar Cha Raja mandal, which was affected by the recent idol collapse. The aid includes ₹5 lakh each for the kin of the deceased.

The BMC's clarification and the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal's financial aid are significant developments ahead of Ganeshotsav, which is one of the most popular festivals in Mumbai. The festival is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm, and the BMC's efforts to ensure safety and security during the celebrations are crucial.

In conclusion, the BMC's denial of mandatory fitness certificates for Ganesh idols is a significant development ahead of Ganeshotsav. While the civic body has not made fitness certificates compulsory, it has urged mandals to prioritise safety during idol arrival processions. The BMC's efforts to ensure safety and security during the festival are crucial, and the civic body's clarification and the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal's financial aid are significant steps in this direction.

The festival of Ganeshotsav is a significant event in Mumbai, and the BMC's efforts to ensure its safe and smooth celebration are important. The civic body's clarification and the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal's financial aid are significant developments ahead of the festival, and they highlight the importance of safety and security during the celebrations.

As the festival approaches, the BMC and the mandals are working together to ensure that the celebrations are safe and secure. The civic body's efforts to ensure road safety during the festival are crucial, and the mandals are being urged to take necessary precautions to prevent accidents.

In the end, the BMC's denial of mandatory fitness certificates for Ganesh idols is a significant development ahead of Ganeshotsav. The civic body's efforts to ensure safety and security during the festival are crucial, and the clarification and the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal's financial aid are significant steps in this direction.