Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - HT Navi Mumbai Live
Single-window system for pandals
NEW MEASURE Organisers will no longer have to seek nod from different authorities such as NMMC, fire and police depts
In an attempt to ease the process of registering pandals during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has initiated a single window system this year.
Through this, all the pandals are expected to get the clearance in a smoother and easier way without having to approach different authorities for approvals.
According to officials, the system was bought in place to ensure that the Bombay high court’s directives on the rules and regulations for the mandals are followed strictly. “We have implemented the single window clearance system as it will help us track if the pandals are following all the norms or not,” said Ankush Chavan, city additional commissioner of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). “Besides, it will also be easier for the organisers from the pandals to get their applications approved,” he added.
Usually, officials from the Ganeshotsav pandals had to approach the authorities like the corporation, fire, police etc. separately to get the clearance for erecting the pandal. Under the new system, however, the pandals have to list that they are fulfilling all their guidelines as given by the HC.
“Ganesh pandal organisers have been asked to submit their Devotees bring a Ganpati idol by blowing traditional trumpets at Vashi on Saturday.
applications at their respective ward offices. Once it is given the first approval, the pandals can start their construction and decoration works. Our joint team of ward officers, fire
officers, MSEDCL officers and police will also visit the spot and inspect it a week before the festival starts, i.e. September 5. If everything is found to be going as per the directions then
the pandal will get the final clearance,” said Chavan. He also said that if anyone is found to be flouting the norms they would be asked to shift their venue or even be fined.
The last date for submitting applications is August 31 but there will be an extension of 2-3 days since many of them have not even got the permission to erect the pandal yet.