The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed a fine of Rs 3.66 lakhs on Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal for digging for pandals during the Ganpati festival, which led to 183 potholes on roads and footpaths. The civic body has levied Rs 2,000 penalty per pothole and hence a fine of Rs 3.66 lakh for 183 potholes.
The notice issued by E Ward Municipal Corporation states that the stretch of road between Dr Babasaheb Road and TB Kadam Marg has been damaged. The inspection of this road was carried out on September 5.
As per permission given to erect a pandal, no pits can be dug on the roads and footpaths. Still, it was noticed that the Lalbaugcha Raja mandal dug pits on the footpath and the road to build a tent during the Ganeshotsav.
During Ganeshotsav, the Ganesh mandals take permission from the BMC to construct a makeshift tent every year. Many mandals dig pits on roads to build tents. Also, in some places, the paver blocks on the footpath are removed and pits are dug there and mandap poles are erected. A BMC team carries out inspection of the roads once the festival is over.
