2,500 potholes could damage Ganpati idols: Girish Walawalkar

MUMBAI: This time last year, the city Ganpati mandals’ governing body met the chief minister and the home minister to ensure an incident-free Ganeshotsav. A year later, the parent body says that none of the discussed issues from potholes to installation of CCTV cameras have been resolved. This season, it has therefore demanded that local corporators repair large potholes within a specific time frame.
On Wednesday, Mumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti officials met civic chief Sitaram Kunte to discuss the BMC’s arrangements for the festival. Girish Walawalkar, secretary of the Samiti, told TOI, “Until now we have identified about 2,500 potholes that can damage idols. The commissioner has assured us of full cooperation.” Kunte has directed both the central agency as well as the assistant commissioners of each ward to fill the potholes as soon as possible.
“It is heartbreaking to see large idols develop cracks even as they are ferried to the pandal. Who can forget last year’s incident when the beautiful idol of a prominent Lalbaug mandal collapsed on Anant Chaturdashi day?” says Naresh Dahibawkar, president of the Samiti.
The Samiti has requested authorities to instal CCTV cameras at major pandals and along immersion routes due to the terror threat. “We are willing to put cameras and metal detectors inside mandaps,” says Dahibawkar. “Following the recent blasts in Pune, we have asked the CM to provide security,” adds Walawalkar.
Devotees say festive revellery has been curtailed owing to the declaration of 2,300 silence zones. Walawalkar says at least 800 schools are located near Ganesh pandals.
The Samiti says it is doing its best to eliminate the feeling of competition amongst mandals and most have agreed to restrict idols’ height to 18 feet.