On Sunday, Mumbaikars witnessed grand processions as Ganesha idols were taken to pandals from workshops in Parel and Lalbaug for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024.
The mandals had organised massive arrival procession with groups of dhol tasha vadaks (Indian percussion instrument) playing traditional tunes.
A large crowd had gathered to watch the procession which continued despite the showers that lashed Mumbai and suburbs on Sunday as Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 is fast approaching.
Meanwhile, in preparation for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has set up facilitation cells across all consumer service offices.
These cells will assist Ganesh Mandals in applying for a temporary power supply. Mandals are encouraged to register online via the official BEST website and submit the necessary documents to the Customer Service Department, said BEST.
BEST asked Ganesh Mandals seeking temporary power supply for the festival to submit a detailed application, including registration details, bank account information for NEFT refunds, and permissions from landowners and relevant authorities.
A test report from an electrical contractor and a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is also required.
After Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, any remaining balance from the electricity charges will be refunded to the Mandals through NEFT within a month. If the required forms are not submitted, refunds will be processed via cheque within 90 days. Mandals must ensure that all documents are submitted on time to avoid delays, BEST said.
Ganesh Mandals must obtain and submit necessary approvals, including permission from the Electricity Inspector and the local police. A test report confirming the electrical load and safety measures, such as the use of Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCB), is mandatory to prevent any safety hazards during the festival.
Simultaneously, to ensure smooth travel during Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, the BMC has launched an intensive road repair campaign across Mumbai. The additional municipal commissioner, Abhijeet Bangar, has instructed that all roads be made pothole-free before the festival begins. The repairs will be carried out using the effective ‘mastic’ method.
The BMC has appointed 227 junior engineers, one for each municipal ward, to conduct daily road inspections and ensure that any potholes are promptly repaired. Senior engineers and officials are also actively involved in overseeing the repairs, ensuring that all necessary work is completed efficiently.
To facilitate the road repair process, the BMC has instructed contractors to ensure a steady supply of mastic and to keep mastic cookers in good working condition. The civic body has emphasised the need for coordination among various departments to ensure the smooth completion of road repairs ahead of the festival.
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