Mumbai Ganpati pandal application process to begin from August 1. Here is all about the details

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

BMC) has announced that online application for setting up Ganpati Pandals on city roads can be done online starting August 1. The 11-day festival will commence on September 19 this year. As per a ToI report, to streamline the process and reduce hassle for the mandals, a one-window system will be implemented, allowing them to apply for pandal permission without separately approaching the police, traffic police, and fire brigade.

Applications for pandal permission can be submitted on the BMC website from August 1 to September 13, up to 5 pm. While the pandal permission will be granted free of cost, a security deposit of Rs 1,000 will be required. Along with their application, mandals will have to provide an undertaking stating their adherence to all the rules related to erecting a pandal.

The BMC has waived off the fees for setting up public Ganpati pandals this year, following a request from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The CM had also instructed the civic body to refund last year's Ganpati pandal fees and deposit within seven days. Notably, earlier this year, the BMC had announced that all Ganesh idols, up to four feet in height, should be «eco-friendly» from this year.

Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols will no longer be allowed for individuals celebrating the festival at home, BMC had said in May. Additionally, BMC had said that it will supply free «sadhu» clay to these sculptors, sourced from various locations, including other states if required. Last year, the BMC faced resistance from Ganpati festival organizers regarding a ban on all PoP-made idols in the city, leading to a withdrawal of the order.