Overview

• The BMC had planned to raise the penalty from ₹2,000 to ₹15,000 per pothole for Ganeshotsav mandals to cover expensive concrete-road repairs.
• Organisers formed coordination committees and secured a promise from Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha on July 30 to advocate for a reduced levy.
• On July 31, Shinde consulted Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani before directing the BMC to reinstate the original penalty.
• Festival mandals are now responsible for refilling any road pits and are urged to adopt non-invasive pandal and barricade installation methods.
• The decision spares organisers a steep hike in restoration fees and preserves their budgets for the upcoming festival.