BMC Clarifies No Mandatory Fitness Certificates for Large Ganesh Idols in Mumbai
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday clarified that it has not made fitness certificates mandatory for large Ganesh idols, refuting claims that circulated after a recent idol accident in Bhuleshwar that killed two people and injured several others.
In a post on X, the civic body stated that reports claiming a fitness certificate was compulsory for Shri Ganesh idols were incorrect. The civic administration also denied having taken any decision to mandate the maintenance of detailed records regarding an idol throughout its crafting, construction, and distribution stages. The BMC urged Ganeshotsav committees and devotees not to believe or circulate such information.
The clarification came following widespread reports on social media suggesting that the civic body had decided to introduce mandatory fitness certificates for idols weighing more than one tonne in the wake of the Bhuleshwar incident.
Prior reports had suggested that civic authorities were considering a dedicated safety framework and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the transportation and arrival of heavy idols ahead of Ganeshotsav. Those reported proposals had discussed potential structural safety checks, fitness certifications, and the monitoring of heavy idol movements from the manufacturing stage to pandals to prevent road accidents. The BMC confirmed that no such directive or certification framework has been issued or finalised.
Despite dismissing the rumours, the civic body emphasised that it remains essential for Ganeshotsav mandals to prioritise safety during arrival processions. Thousands of Ganesh idols, including numerous large and heavy installations, are transported across Mumbai's road network during the festival period.
The BMC appealed to organisers to coordinate closely with the Mumbai Police, traffic authorities, and civic teams while transporting idols. Additionally, civic officials have been instructed to focus on road safety by ensuring that all routes designated for idol arrival and immersion processions are properly maintained and kept free of potholes.
