Mumbai: Navratri mandap in Borivli causing massive traffic jams

BMC will monitor any extension beyond approved permission and take appropriate action. Pic/Anurag Ahire

As the festive spirit of Navratri approaches, the spotlight falls on the Ashtavinayak Nagar Sarvajanik Navratri Utsav Mandal in New MHB Colony, Borivli West, after they erected a mandap obstructing a vital road. This road, situated at a T-junction near Saylee hospital in Borivli West, links New MHB Colony to the bustling link road. The situation has led to severe traffic congestion during peak hours, and with the fast-approaching Navratri festival season, conditions are expected to worsen.

The nine-day festival begins on October 15. The mandal has been organsing the festival at the same spot for the last 30 years and therefore managed to receive permission from authorities. This situation prompts questions about the priorities of local authorities. On one hand, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) actively advises Navratri organisers across the city to arrange ample parking within their venues to alleviate traffic congestion. On the other hand, permissions have been granted to local mandals to block half of a crucial road for Navratri festivities, resulting in concerning traffic jams.

A local resident, Shreyas Shinde, said, "This is a two-way road with only one lane per side, and it's already congested on regular days. People park cars on both sides, further reducing their width. Additionally, the mandap has blocked one lane. If this is the state of affairs before Navratri, the situation will worsen during the nine days of the festival."

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Another resident expressed concerns about emergency services, saying, "Due to the mandap and parked vehicles on the road, it becomes challenging for emergency service vehicles to pass through in a traffic jam. This could even risk lives if the services don't reach in time." Anand Shah, another local resident frustrated with the situation, said, "Navigating this road is a nightmare even on an ordinary day. Now, with the mandal's obstruction, it's turning into a traffic disaster. The BMC should ensure that we can enjoy the festivities without compromising our daily lives."

Upon inquiry, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of R-central ward, Sandhya Nandedkar, stated, "We have granted permission for Navratri. Our staff will monitor any extensions beyond the approved permissions and take appropriate actions." Officials from the traffic division said, "We have decided that traffic police personnel will be posted at the location to manage traffic during the 9 days of Navratri celebrations."

October 15
Day Navratri begins