Mumbai, September 10: Lalbaugcha Raja is famous not just in Mumbai but also across India as celebrities and businessmen throng the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal to catch a glimpse of their beloved diety. However, the massive decorations that take place during the 10-day festival and its effect on the roads have led to the mandal being fined Rs 60 lakh over the past six years. The fine has been levied on the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal for not filling the holes dug on roads during the installation of Lalbaugcha Raja for past six years, said a report in the DNA. Lalbaugcha Raja 2019 Darshan: How to Reach The Famous Ganeshotsav Pandal of Mumbai By Train or Road This Ganesh Chaturthi.

An activist in Mumbai named Mahesh Vengurlekar had filed an RTI (Right to Information Act) and obtained data alleging that the mandal dug 953 trenches for installation in 2018 itself. “Every year, it creates a similar number of holes on roads but seldom fills them. The Mandal hasn’t paid anything so far,” Vengurleka was quoted saying by DNA. The report said that BMC fines Rs 2,000 per pothole, as per the rulebook.

However, the Mandal claims that it has cleared all the dues. The paper quoted Mandal secretary as saying, “The BMC had fined us for potholes on Paralkar Marg and near KEM Hospital. We had challenged it and given a counter-letter to the civic body. We have cleared all the dues and I can even send you the bills to prove it.” Reports said that the BMC's concerned wing will soon take action against the Mandal.

Lalbaugcha Raja is a Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal. It is considered as one of the most popular Ganpati idols in Mumbai. The celebration of this sarvajanik Ganesh mandal has been taking place since 1934. Devotees wait for several hours just to get a glimpse of the elephant god. From top celebrities to politicians and sportspersons as well as common man, everybody makes sure they pay a visit to Lalbaugcharaja to get blessings of Lord Ganesha.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2019 08:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).