Pune Municipal Corporation Releases Guidelines For Celebrating Ganesh Festival And Navratri 2023

Pune, 1st September 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a set of guidelines for the upcoming Ganesh Festival and Navratri celebrations, which will take place in the city from 19th September 2023 to 28th September 2023. With the aim of ensuring a joyous and lawful celebration, PMC has outlined several key instructions for Ganesh Mandals and citizens alike.

Permits and Licenses

• Permit holders for Utsav Mandap, Welcome Arch, and Running Mandap issued in 2019 will have their licenses accepted for the next 5 years without the need for fresh permission. These license holders are exempt from license fees.
• Mandals looking to celebrate Ganeshotsav anew or change the location of their permission from 2019 due to disruptions or other reasons must obtain permits for the new location through the concerned regional office and police station office, following the procedure of 2019.

Mandal Responsibilities

• All Ganesh Mandals should prominently display copies of their 2019 or newly obtained licenses in plastic coating on the facade of the mandap/arch.
• The height of Utsav Mandap should not exceed 40 feet. If it does, a stability certificate from an authorized structural engineer is required for safety reasons.
• During the construction of pavilions and welcome arches, ensure that emergency vehicles, such as fire engines and ambulances, as well as passenger buses, have clear access to adjacent roads. The arch’s height should not exceed 18 feet from the road surface. Volunteers/security guards should be hired as needed.

Environment-Friendly Celebrations

• Ganesha idols should preferably be made from environmentally friendly shadu soil. Institutions, organizations, boards, or individuals are encouraged to celebrate Ganeshotsav by contributing to environment-friendly activities.

Compliance with Authorities

• All Ganesh Mandals must follow instructions, rules, and orders notified by the local administration, police department, and the state government during the festival.
• After the festival, Ganesh Mandals are responsible for promptly removing all materials and structures, including idols, from the roads within 3 days and repairing any road damage at their expense.
• The PMC reserves the right to cancel licenses if deemed necessary.
• High Court orders in Public Interest Litigation No.173/2010 and government circular instructions must be followed.

Public Comfort and Complaints

• Ensure that local residents, pedestrians, and vehicles on footpaths are not disturbed and that noise pollution is minimized.
• PMC has set up channels for citizens to file complaints during the festival period, including a website, toll-free number, mobile app, WhatsApp, and email.
• Website :- http://complaint.punecorporation.org, Toll Free Number- 1800 103 0222. All Municipal Assistant Commissioner Ward Offices Phone Numbers are available on Mobile App PUNE Connect (PMC Care), WhatsApp 9689900002, Main Encroachment Office Contact No.: 020-25501398 , [email protected]
• Complaints received through these channels will be addressed at all zonal office levels and local police stations.
• For any difficulties during the festivals, Ganesh Mandals and citizens should contact concerned Municipal Zonal Offices.

Sale of Ganesha Idols

• The PMC’s property and management department will provide permission for the sale of Ganesha idols in designated areas and municipal schools within all zonal office limits.
• Seasonal businesses already operating through the Encroachment/Unauthorized Construction Removal Department will be allowed to conduct business on certain terms and conditions.

Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar emphasized the importance of following these guidelines to ensure a harmonious and responsible celebration of the Ganesh Festival and Navratri in Pune this year. PMC encourages all citizens and Mandals to contribute to the community’s well-being and uphold the spirit of the festivities while adhering to these regulations.