00:00In times when breaking news often chase trends, the real power of media lies in driving the change.
00:05And this is one such moment.
00:07A real-life impact caused by journalism that puts people first.
00:11Two days ago, Lokmat Times raised its voice through a video and questioning the logic behind the BMC's 15,000 rha per whole fine on Ganpati Mandals.
00:20The fine until last year was 2,000 for every pit dug up by Ganesh Utsav Mandals in Mumbai.
00:26Our demand was clear that if the corporation wants to charge such an hefty fine on Mandals in Mumbai, so what about the roads?
00:34Which are completely filled with huge and heavy potholes capable of taking away lives and waterlogged lanes which cause heavy traffic.
00:43But now, Ganpati Mandals in Mumbai can finally breathe easy.
00:47After Lokmat's strong coverage on the controversial 15,000 rha per whole fine imposed by the BMC, the government has finally rolled back the decision.
00:55Yes, you heard that right.
00:58This is a Lokmat impact.
00:59Our story raised critical questions about the burden on Mandals during Maharashtra's biggest festival.
01:05And now, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde himself has confirmed on social media that fines have been scrapped.
01:12In his tweet, he says that the Mumbai Municipal Corporation had increased the amount of the fine, which also was for the road restoration fee,
01:21to be charged if public Ganesh Utsav committees dug up roads to set up Pandals.
01:25In this regard, I discussed the matter with the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Mr. Bhushan Ghagrani and instructed that there should be no increase in the fine amount.
01:36As per the new regulations, a fee of Rs. 15,000 was to be charged for each pit dug up by committees for setting up Pandals during Ganesh Utsav.
01:45Now, as per the old regulation, only a fee of Rs. 2,000 will be charged.
01:50A large number of roads in Mumbai are being concretized.
01:53There is an appeal to the committees to positively consider the use of new technology for setting up Pandals without digging up concrete roads.
02:01The civic body had earlier planned to charge 15,000 for every pit dug up by Mandals to erect Pandals, which sparked backlash from organizers and citizens.
02:11But after widespread criticism and media pressure, especially from Lokmat, the decision has now been revoked.
02:18This indeed is a big win for tradition and a big win for the people.
02:22Stay with Lokmat Times for more such impactful stories.
