Mumbai, August 28: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a high-level meeting on Thursday to review law and order for the Ganesh Festival 2026. He instructed public Ganesh mandals across the state to strictly adhere to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations to ensure that devotees receive pure and unadulterated prasad.
Emphasizing that the Ganesh Festival is a state celebration, CM Fadnavis highlighted the collective responsibility of mandals, local authorities, and citizens to uphold the discipline, purity, and cultural heritage envisioned by Lokmanya Tilak.
He directed mandals to seek necessary guidance and training to meet the minimum hygiene and quality standards set by the FDA. Administrators were urged to expedite pending approvals, while traditional and older mandals should benefit from a faster process for regular approvals.
Fadnavis instructed all municipal officials to keep the routes for processions and immersions free of potholes and to ensure proper lighting at night. Under Section 143 of the BMC Act, eligible registered trust offices can apply for property tax exemptions with the appropriate documentation. The police have been directed to take strict action against violations of firecracker and loudspeaker sound limits.
In accordance with High Court directives, officials will implement eco-friendly methods to prevent water pollution caused by plaster of Paris (POP) idols.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called for better coordination among police, municipal corporations, and mandals to ensure the smooth arrival and immersion of idols. He noted that over 1,850 kilometers of roads in Mumbai are now concrete, and local administration should promptly address any remaining issues.
Shinde mentioned that an administrative process is underway to grant mandals a five-year ‘single-window’ permission. He urged organizers and volunteers to remain vigilant against rumors spreading on social media and to report any suspicious activities to the police immediately.
Mandals were also instructed to check the structural joints, welding, and bolts of large idols during transportation to prevent accidents and maintain safe distances amidst heavy structures and crowds.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has appealed to all Ganesh mandals to observe necessary safety precautions related to electricity and to use only official temporary power connections during the festival.
MSEDCL urged organizers to remain alert to prevent any unpleasant incidents. While deciding the height of Ganesh idols and the design of processional floats, mandals should consider the height of overhead power lines in streets and narrow lanes. Safety regulations must be strictly followed when wiring and installing decorative lighting in pandals, and all electrical work should be carried out only by certified contractors.
To facilitate this process, MSEDCL has simplified the application procedure for Ganesh mandals. Organizers can now apply for temporary power connections quickly through the official website or mobile app. The company emphasized that no mandal should use unauthorized power connections and advised organizers to maintain a safe distance from power lines and poles while constructing pandals.
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