Following a Bombay High Court order restraining misuse of public roads and footpaths during Ganapati festival, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made stricter guidelines for Ganapati Mandals. With just 12 days left, BMC has given permission to only 172 mandals out of total 1,265 applications.

This year BMC received 1,265 applications for the permission of erecting roadside pandals. "While last year we received 1,200 applications and all were given permission, this year we have given permission to only 172 mandals out of total 1,265 applications," said Anand Wagralkar, deputy municipal commissioner.

"Following the high court order, we have formed strict guidelines for Ganesh mandals. Mandals will be given permissions only if they have NOCs from the Traffic Department and Police," Wagralkar said.

A two-judge bench of the HC had directed the BMC in July to ensure that pedestrians are not hindered and traffic is not inconvenienced in any manner. At least 1,200 Ganesh mandals set up pandals on roads, footpaths, near bus stops and at important junctions on the road. This not only hinders traffic but also people's movement forcing them to walk on the road and create more traffic snarls.

While BMC had requested the court to allow the Ganesh mandals this year so that the year civic body can come up with stricter guidelines next year, the high court had clearly pointed out that BMC can only allow those pandals which do not come in the way of citizens' movement.