Pune: PMC Waives Advertisement Fees for Ganeshotsav Arches, No Concession for Dahi Handi Festival

Pune, 24th August 2024: No fee will be charged for advertisements on arches erected by Ganesh Mandals for the upcoming Ganeshotsav. However, advertisements must not obstruct roads or footpaths. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Dr Rajendra Bhosale clarified that there is no fee concession for advertisements related to the Dahi Handi festival.

To fund the Ganeshotsav, many advertisements are placed on boards, which are set up in designated areas. Citizens have lodged complaints with the PMC regarding these advertisements. In response, PMC organized a meeting today. While the administration encouraged advertising PMC activities, Ganesh Mandal workers requested payment from PMC for these advertisements. Since this support was not provided, advertising was made voluntary.

The Ganesh Mandal workers also requested a single permit to cover both the Dahi Handi and Ganesh Visarjan processions, but this demand was rejected by the Commissioner. Dr Bhosale stated, “The advertisement fee concession applies only to Ganeshotsav. There is no discount for the Dahi Handi Utsav, and written orders for such a concession do not exist. Therefore, fees for Dahi Handi festival advertisements must be paid separately, and distinct permissions are required for both festivals.”

The Commissioner also emphasized that advertisements and arches should not block pedestrian pathways or roads. Arches up to 50 meters can be erected in each square, and safety precautions must be strictly observed.