1 week ago
BMC Denies Mandatory Fitness Certificates For Large Ganesh Idols
The BMC says large Ganesh idols do not currently need fitness certificates.
This also includes idols weighing more than one tonne.
The BMC says it has not ordered committees to keep a complete record of each idol.
These claims spread after an idol collapse in Bhuleshwar.
Two people died and several others were injured in that accident.
Some reports discussed possible safety checks and tracking for heavy idols.
The BMC says those rules have not been issued or finalised.
It still wants committees to move idols safely and work with officials.
The BMC also wants roads used for idol processions and immersion to be kept in good condition.
The BMC said fitness certificates are not mandatory for large Ganesh idols, including those weighing more than one tonne.
The civic body denied ordering committees or idol makers to keep complete records from construction through distribution.
The clarification followed reports and social-media messages circulated after the Bhuleshwar idol collapse, which killed two people and injured several others.
Reports had described possible safety checks, certification and monitoring for heavy idols, but the BMC said no such directive has been issued or finalised.
The BMC urged Ganeshotsav committees to coordinate with police and traffic authorities and keep procession and immersion routes safe.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Ganeshotsav committees, idol makers, devotees, police and traffic authorities.
- What
- The BMC denied making fitness certificates or complete construction-to-distribution records mandatory for large Ganesh idols.
- Where
- Mumbai, including routes used for Ganesh idol arrival and immersion; the clarification concerned reports linked to Bhuleshwar.
- When
- August 26, 2026, ahead of Ganeshotsav 2026.
- Why
- The clarification followed reports and social-media messages circulated after the Bhuleshwar idol collapse, which killed two people and injured several others.
Reports Of Proposed Safety Rules
BMC’s Clarification
Fitness certificates
Reports Of Proposed Safety Rules
Reports and social-media messages claimed certificates could become mandatory for Ganesh idols weighing more than one tonne after the Bhuleshwar incident.
BMC’s Clarification
The BMC said reports that fitness certificates were compulsory for Shri Ganesh idols were incorrect and that no such requirement had been introduced or finalised.
Idol tracking and records
Reports Of Proposed Safety Rules
Reports described possible monitoring of heavy idols and detailed records from manufacturing or crafting through arrival at pandals and distribution.
BMC’s Clarification
The BMC denied issuing any directive requiring committees or idol makers to maintain complete information throughout that process.
Safety framework
Reports Of Proposed Safety Rules
Reports said a dedicated safety framework or Standard Operating Procedure involving structural checks, certification and transportation was being considered.
BMC’s Clarification
The BMC said no certification or record-keeping directive had been issued or finalised, while still urging committees to prioritise safety during processions.
Key facts
- Civic authority
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
- Festival
- Ganeshotsav 2026
- Disputed certification rule
- Fitness certificates are not mandatory for large Ganesh idols, including those weighing more than one tonne.
- Disputed record-keeping rule
- The BMC denied requiring complete records from an idol’s construction through its distribution.
- Bhuleshwar incident
- An idol collapse killed two people and injured several others.
- Safety guidance
- Ganeshotsav committees should coordinate with the Mumbai Police, traffic authorities and the BMC during idol transportation.
- Road maintenance
- Routes used for idol arrival and immersion should be properly maintained and free of potholes.
Sources
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