After taking a tough stand initially, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has given into pressure from Ganesh mandals in the city and politicians. The civic body has decided not to ban hoardings during the forthcoming Ganpati festival in the city.
However, hoardings erected outside 100 metres from the pandal entrance will be charged commercial rates. The civic body has also restrained itself from increasing the deposit amount of Ganesh mandals.
There was a heavy resentment among the Ganesh mandals over the proposed ban on hoardings and hike in the deposit amount. The issue was discussed in a meeting convened by mayor Sunil Prabhu on Friday, along with civic officials and officials of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), an umbrella organisation of Ganesh mandals in the city. As per the guidelines, political banners and boards will be permitted only inside the pandal and they will not be allowed to be displayed on public roads and pavements.
Expressing satisfaction over the decision, Narendra Dahibavkar, president of BSGSS, said, “Advertisements and banners are the only source of income for the Ganesh mandals. By allowing hoardings during the Ganpati festival, the BMC has given a major relief to mandals.” In addition to this, vulgar advertisements regarding movie, television serials and posters about tobacco, gutka, liquor products have been banned. However, it will be obligatory for mandals to display BMC’s banners about social and civic awareness.