The policy also says an alternative route has to be provided if adequate right of way is not possible on footpaths and roads. (Express Photo) The policy also says an alternative route has to be provided if adequate right of way is not possible on footpaths and roads. (Express Photo)

The new policy framed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to grant permission for erection of temporary structures on roads says an alternative route that will cause least inconvenience to pedestrians and traffic must be provided in case adequate right of way is not possible on footpaths and roads.

The civic body Monday submitted its policy before the Bombay High Court.

The policy has been framed in compliance with the court’s orders in this matter and says it has taken into account “rights of citizens to smooth vehicular traffic and free pedestrian movements on footpaths”.

“While granting permission for pandals on roads and footpaths, it shall be ensured that adequate right of way is available for free movement of traffic and pedestrians of traffic and pedestrians. In case adequate right of way is not possible, an alternate route shall be provided that causes least inconvenience to pedestrians and traffic. The alternate route with adequate and specified signages shall be part of the permission and must be prominently displayed on the pandal so as to ensure that there is no major traffic congestion and does not cause obstruction to large number of pedestrians,” says the policy.

Stating that there had been substantial compliance by the state government, the court said relevant publicity of the grievance mechanism that had been put in place should be done before every major festival.

“Prima facie it is suggested that permission can be granted for erection of temporary structures on footpaths.

The government has, however, said that earlier court’s orders will be abided by,” said the HC.

Justices A S Oka and Revati Mohite Dere were hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Dr Mahesh Bedekar, who runs a hospital in Thane.

The PIL deals with the issue of noise pollution during festivals and the issue of pandals erected by the organisers.

The policy also says while granting permission for pandals near places such as hospitals, schools, railway station and bus stands, enough space should be left for smooth movement of vehicular and pedestrian movement.

“Free movement and evacuation of passengers from railway stations and bus stands shall be ensured. Spaces must be provided for ambulances to freely enter and exit from hospitals,”

it added.

The BMC has also appointed officers in each ward as required under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000, and telephone numbers have been allotted to them to receive complaints.

A new government resolution in this regard has decentralised powers by investing powers under noise pollution rules to subordinate police officers too.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com

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