Pune: Ganeshotsav Preparations 2025 Discussed in High-Level Meeting; Mandals Make New Demands

Key Demands: One-Window System & Better Infrastructure

Ganesh Mandals put forth several demands to improve this year’s festivities, including:

‘One Window’ Permission System – A centralized approval process to avoid bureaucratic delays during immersion processions.
Public Toilets & New Immersion Ghats – Construction of women-friendly toilets at key procession routes and additional ghats to reduce crowding.
Stricter Security Measures – Increased police vigilance against youths carrying sharp weapons like scythes.
Timely Processions – Completion of major Ganpati processions by 4 PM to manage crowd control.
Avoiding Pandals Near Metro Stations – Utilizing open grounds instead to prevent congestion.
Transparent Fund Usage – Proper allocation of municipal funds and clear advertising guidelines to curb commercialization.
Traffic Management – Keeping Fergusson College Road open on immersion day and expediting Bhide Bridge repairs to ease pre-festival congestion.

Criticism & Additional Requests

Mandal representatives criticized the repetitive use of the same immersion ghats, suggesting a rotational system for fairness. They also highlighted the PMC’s inadequate symbolic offerings, stating that “one coconut per Mandal” was insufficient. The demand for “One Mandal, One Team” policy was reiterated to ensure uniform treatment for all organizers.

Administration’s Assurance

PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram assured Mandals that their concerns would be addressed. “All Mandals must follow regulations. We will ensure proper health facilities, pandal permissions, CCTV surveillance, street lighting, pothole repairs, and noise control,” he said.

DCP Krushikesh Rawale pledged full police support, stating, “We are prepared to maintain law and order and will assist Mandals in conducting peaceful celebrations.”

With Ganeshotsav approaching, PMC and stakeholders now face the challenge of implementing these recommendations to ensure a safe, organized, and inclusive festival for Punekars.