Ganeshotsav 2025: Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha Vows To Roll Back BMC's ₹15,000 Pothole Fine To ₹2,000 After Mandal Outcry

Mumbai: Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has assured the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal that the recently increased penalty amount of Rs 15,000 will be reverted to the original Rs 2,000. The minister is expected to meet with the municipal commissioner soon to discuss the matter further.

Janata Darbar sees flood of complaints

Lodha conducted a Janata Darbar at the BMC’s C Ward office on Wednesday, aiming to provide immediate solutions to public grievances. During the session, 318 complaints were registered, with one major concern being the BMC’s new regulation imposing a Rs 15,000 fine on Ganeshotsav mandals for digging pits to erect pandals.

“Ganeshotsav is a deeply cherished and culturally significant festival for all of us. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that citizens can celebrate it with joy and without unnecessary obstacles. We fully understand the sentiments of the Ganesh Mandals regarding the recently imposed fine. I will be meeting with the BMC Commissioner shortly to discuss the issue and work toward an appropriate resolution,” said Lodha.

Civic officials told to fix roads in 10 days

Additionally, Lodha directed civic officials present at the Janata Darbar to complete all pending pothole repair work in C Ward within the next 10 days. Several key issues were raised by citizens during the session, including concerns related to redevelopment, road conditions, drainage, ration cards, water supply, and permissions for Ganeshotsav celebrations.

For several years, the BMC has been imposing fines on Ganeshotsav mandals for potholes found near their pandals after the festival. Until last year, the penalty stood at Rs 2,000 per pothole. However, a notice issued by the BMC on July 21 this year raised the fine to Rs 15,000 per pothole, sparking controversy and concern among mandals.