Mumbai, August 27: As the city gets ready for the 11-day Ganpati festival, which is about to start from September 2, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed a weight restriction on three busy bridges in the heart of the city. According to a Mumbai Mirror report, a 16-ton weight restriction has been imposed on Currey Road, Chinchpokli and Elphinstone bridges at any given point of time. Mumbai Civic Authorities Ask Ganesh Puja Mandals to Refrain From Dancing on Weak Bridges During Immersion Processions.
The weight restriction means that not more than 200 people will be allowed to cross these bridges. Also if a Ganpati idol is being taken across, then only 100 to 150 people will be allowed to accompany. So Mumbaikars brace yourself for some tough time as there will be major chaos on the roads. These three bridges not only link the busy railway stations- Prabhadevi, Currey Road and Chinchpokli, but thousands use them for reaching to the popular Lalbaug Ganpati Mandal.
It will be more difficult to manage the crowd when the Ganpati pandals will take their respective idols out for immersion. On an average, a big idol weighs 200 to 300 kilos, while the truck weighs another 3000 kilos. A traffic advisory is expected to be issued soon in view of the 16-ton weight restriction.
A week ago, the civic authorities asked the Ganesh Puja pandals to avoid singing and dancing on weak bridges during the immersion procession. Devotees have been advised to instead cross the bridge swiftly and carefully. This was also done keeping in mind the damage to the structural place or collapse that can happen due to dancing.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2019 10:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).