Ganesh Mandals want free power supply for idol installations in Belagavi during festivities next month
The Hindu
BelagaviGanesh Mandals demand free power, police security, medical care, single window clearance for Ganesh Chaturthi. Over 2K mandals, 400 registered with city corp. Public Works Minister agrees to most demands, exploring possibility of supplying power at lower rates. Mayor, Ganeshotsav Mahamandal, officials hold meetings to ensure smooth festivities. ₹1 crore released by State govt. for preparations. CCTVs, drones to monitor crowds.
Ganesh Mandals in Belagavi have demanded free power supply, among other facilities, for idol installations during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The festivities will begin on September 19 and end on September 28 in the city.
They have also demanded round-the-clock police security, crowd control assistance, emergency medical care, single window clearance and exemption from banner and poster charges.
The city of around four lakh population has over 2,000 Ganesh Mandals in the corporation and urban agglomeration areas. As many as 400 of the mandals are registered with the city corporation.
Public Works Minister and district in-charge Satish Jarkiholi has agreed to most of the demands but has remained non-committal about free power supply as it concerns a policy decision at the State-level, Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti leader and office-bearer of the Ganesh Mandal Committee Ramakant Konduskar said.
“The Minister has, however, asked us to explore the possibility of supplying power at domestic rates or even lower rates,” Mr. Konduskar told The Hindu.
“We want to celebrate Ganesh Utsav in Belagavi at the level of Mysore Dasara, if the State government supports us with additional funds,” he said.
He said that he will lead a delegation to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with this demand.
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