New Delhi: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed a fine of Rs 3.66 lakh on Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal for creating 183 potholes on the road during Ganesh Chaturthi this year, ANI reported. BMC deputy commissioner Ramakant Biradar said: "We have sent a notice to Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav committee and asked them to pay the fine of Rs 3.66 lakh."
According to ANI, BMC found 183 potholes on the road during Ganeshotsav this year.
BMC has imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 for each pothole. Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal president Balasaheb Kamble denied receiving any notice relating to potholes saying the Mandal falls under the jurisdiction of the BMC’s F South Ward.
“Our mandal falls under the jurisdiction of the BMC’s F South Ward. How can E Ward send us a notice? There are many mandals in that area,” he said.
The BMC has also sent a copy of the notice to activist Mahesh Vengurlekar, who had filed an RTI application in link to potholes created by the mandal.
Every year, the Mandal pays a fine of Rs 4 lakh to 5 lakh for creating potholes. In the year 2018, BMC had asked the Mandal to pay a five-year fine for the period 2013-2018 which amounted to Rs 60 lakh.
According to the civic body rules, permission to put up a pandal on the road comes with a condition that pits cannot be created on roads or footpaths. After the festival ends, the civic team inspects roads to check if the organiser followed the order or not.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the state of Maharashtra and other parts of western and southern India with lakhs of devotees converging on mandaps to seek blessing from Lord Ganesha.
(With ANI Inputs)