BMC Issues Show-Cause Notices to Two Senior Officials for Illegal Sheds Near Lalbaugcha Raja Pandal

by Webdesk
29 Aug 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a show-cause notice to two of its senior officials – the Deputy Municipal Commissioner and the local ward officer – for failing to take timely action against unauthorised sheds constructed at Peru Compound, close to the famous Lalbaugcha Raja pandal in Girgaum. This move by the civic body has sparked attention, as the matter revolves around large temporary structures raised without proper approval during the Ganeshotsav season.

According to BMC reports, three sheds had been set up on the open land at Peru Compound, each measuring nearly 15 meters by 25 meters and with a height of 7.4 meters. The scale and size of these constructions made them impossible to ignore, yet no prior permission had been obtained before their erection. The sheds were meant to function as food distribution centres where free meals would be served to thousands of Ganesh devotees visiting Lalbaugcha Raja. However, the organisers had not sought the mandatory clearance from the municipal authorities before initiating this setup.

The civic administration had already served a stop-work notice to the landowner earlier under Section 354 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, categorising the structures as unauthorised. Despite this, the sheds remained standing. Officials admitted that the temporary structures had been put up without the required building permits or safety clearances. Since these sheds were capable of accommodating large crowds, civic authorities raised concerns about public safety and the possibility of mishaps, especially given the narrow approach roads in the area.

Senior officials explained that Ganeshotsav brings a massive influx of devotees every year, especially to the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal, which is considered one of Mumbai’s most iconic Ganesh mandals. With lakhs of devotees flocking daily during the festival, organisers often plan large-scale arrangements including food stalls, temporary seating, and resting spaces. In this case, the intention may have been to provide a service, but the complete disregard for legal procedures forced the BMC to act strictly.

The show-cause notices sent to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner and the ward officer are being seen as a rare instance where the civic body has chosen to hold its own officials accountable. A senior source from the BMC pointed out that negligence in monitoring unauthorised structures can lead to serious consequences. In high-density areas like Girgaum and Lalbaug, where both space and safety are pressing issues, unauthorised constructions pose risks not just to devotees but also to traffic management and emergency services.

Interestingly, while the disputed sheds were not allowed to function, sources confirmed that the organisers had made alternate arrangements. Another premises has now been taken up where free meals are being served to devotees visiting the pandal. Civic insiders suggested that this shift was carried out to prevent further confrontation with the authorities and ensure that the devotees are not deprived of the service.

The controversy has once again highlighted the delicate balance between tradition and regulation in Mumbai’s public festivals. Ganeshotsav is not only a cultural event but also a logistical challenge for civic authorities. With enormous crowds converging in limited spaces, ensuring safety, traffic flow, and lawfulness becomes a complicated task. Unauthorised sheds, even if meant for charitable purposes, can compromise this system and expose people to dangers such as overcrowding, stampedes, or fire hazards.

For the BMC, the incident has become an opportunity to reinforce its authority. By issuing notices to its senior officers, the civic body has sent a clear message that lapses will not be tolerated, whether they come from citizens, mandal organisers, or even within the municipal structure itself. Legal experts suggest that this step could set a precedent, making officials more alert in preventing illegal constructions during future festivals.As the Ganesh festivities continue, all eyes will remain on how the civic administration and the mandal organisers cooperate to ensure smooth proceedings. While the devotees’ spiritual enthusiasm remains undeterred, the civic body’s firm stance underlines that compliance with rules is as important as devotion.

Image Courtesy:

02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

BMC Issues Show-Cause Notices to Two Senior Officials for Illegal Sheds Near Lalbaugcha Raja Pandal

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