Pandals still occupy roads, creating traffic congestions

Kolhapur: Pandals and arches erected by Ganesh mandals in several locales within the city continue to occupy the roads even though Ganeshotsav is over, resulting in heavy traffic and disrupted vehicular movement including those for essential health services like ambulances. Complaints against the KMC encroachment and police departments for overlooking the issue due to political pressure are being raised by commuters, who are blaming these departments for their suffering. Kiran Kulkarni, a resident of Mangalwar Peth said, "The police department and KMC officials didn't take any action against the Ganesh mandals even when they violated the High Court orders of erecting pandals by leaving 70% of the road space vacant and installing the pandal in the remaining 30% space. Now, even after five days after the passage of Ganesh immersion, no action has yet been taken by the authorities, due to which the citizens continue to suffer."Some people have also raised questions asking if these mandals will be celebrating Navaratra as well in the same pandal.A resident of Rajarampuri 11th lane Sujata Chavan said, "The pandals and the set-ups erected for the Ganesh festival have been left in the same condition in several parts of the city. Are these mandals going to install the Navaratra ‘Durga idol' as well in the same pandal? Forget passing of ambulances, not even a two-wheeler can pass through the side of these pandals. Entire roads have been blocked. Severe traffic congestion is taking place, especially in the Rajarampuri and Shahupuri areas daily. The KMC administration or city traffic department should act against such mandals who erect grand pandals in a way that causes inconvenience to common people and obstructs the traffic flow."Meanwhile, KMC has warned all concerned Ganesh mandals to immediately remove the pandal and arches. If not, its encroachment department will confiscate all materials used to decorate and build the structure of the pandals and take legal action against the concerned mandals.