Nagpur: A total of 861 sarvajanik (public) Ganesh mandals have been granted permission in the city this year – an increase of 207 from the previous year. Sources say there are over 1000 mandals in the city and many of them have erected pandals without seeking Nagpur Municipal Corporations permission.In 2022, the NMC had granted permission to 654 Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals. This year till September 18, the NMC has issued final NOCs to 630 mandals, a senior NMC official told TOI. A total of 39 mandals have made the payments, but are yet to get the NOCs. Around 76 mandals applied for permission, but are yet to pay the requisite fees. Similarly, 116 applications were received on Monday. This year, 1,144 applications were received. Of which 283 were duplicate and hence rejected. Areas that fall under Laxmi Nagar, Dharampeth, Lakadganj and Mangalwari zones have seen a rise in number of Ganesh Mandals this year compared to 2022. Of them, Lakadganj zone has reported 100% rise — from 51 to 119 this year. Ashi Nagar zone, which is dominated by Scheduled Caste population, too saw a rise from 32 to 60.Gandhibagh zone, which is considered a saffron belt, has witnessed a southward trend though. In 2022, 108 mandals were registered, but the county this year has dropped to 98.Meanwhile, the NMC continued with its action against shopkeepers selling PoP idols across the city. On Tuesday, the nuisance detection squad raided six shops at different places and seized 35 PoP idols and recovered Rs 60,000 fine.We also published the following articles recentlyGanesh mandals plan grand celebrations, hike budgetsEight Ganesh Mandals in Nashik have started preparations for the Ganesh festival, with each mandal choosing a unique theme. One mandal plans to address the issue of commercialization of education through a social awareness program, while another will create a replica of the Kedarnath Mandir. The mandals are working diligently to decorate their pandals and complete their preparations before the festival begins on September 19. In other parts of India, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will focus on socio-cultural themes and eco-friendly practices. People are opting for sustainable materials to create Ganesha idols and using natural colors for decoration.Ganesh mandals violate HC orders in Kolhapur, block roadsThe Ganesh mandals in Kolhapur have been blocking roads with huge pandals, disregarding the 75% road space requirement for emergency vehicles. The local authorities have not taken any action against these mandals, despite high court orders. However, the city traffic police have recently intervened and made two mandals in Shahupuri area clear the road. The Ganesh mandal members argue that they celebrate the festival in the same way every year, and people should accommodate them for a few days as it is for God.Mandals to provide medical aid on bikesSeveral Ganesh mandals in Pune have joined forces to provide medical assistance to those in need during the Ganeshotsav festival. The initiative includes the use of two-wheeler ambulances, with a team of 75 trained riders available 24/7 in densely populated areas. The aim is to provide aid in areas where traditional ambulances may struggle to navigate. The service can be accessed by calling a toll-free number. Many other mandals in the city are also offering facilities such as public toilets, free food and water, and health camps during the festival.

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