CM Fadnavis Directs FDA To Enforce Strict Food Safety Rules For Ganeshotsav Prasad

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday directed Ganeshotsav mandals across the state to strictly comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations to ensure the quality and safety of prasad distributed to devotees. The instructions were issued during a high-level law and order review meeting for Ganeshotsav 2026. Fadnavis stressed that the festival, recognised as Maharashtra's State Festival, should be conducted with discipline while preserving its cultural traditions.

Fadnavis directed authorities to provide mandals with necessary guidance and training to meet minimum hygiene and food-quality standards. He also instructed administrators to expedite pending permissions for festival arrangements, while traditional and long-standing mandals should receive fast-track processing for routine approvals. The directions are aimed at ensuring that organisers can complete preparations while meeting safety and regulatory requirements.

The Chief Minister also reviewed arrangements for processions and immersions across the state. Civic authorities have been directed to ensure that procession and immersion routes are free of potholes and adequately lit at night. Police have been instructed to enforce rules relating to firecrackers and loudspeaker decibel limits. Officials will also implement eco-friendly measures in line with High Court directions to prevent water pollution caused by Plaster of Paris idols.

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Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called for close coordination between the police, municipal corporations and Ganesh mandals to ensure smooth arrivals and immersion processions. He noted that more than 1,850 kilometres of roads in Mumbai have been concretised and directed local authorities to address remaining road defects promptly. Shinde also said administrative processes were underway to provide mandals with five-year single-window permissions.

Safety arrangements for large idols and festival structures were also discussed. Shinde instructed mandals to inspect structural joints, welding and bolts on large idols before transportation and maintain adequate distance between heavy structures and crowds. Organisers and volunteers were also urged to remain alert to rumours circulating on social media and immediately report suspicious activities to the police.

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has separately appealed to Ganeshotsav mandals to follow electrical safety measures and use only authorised temporary electricity connections. Organisers have been advised to consider overhead power lines when determining idol and procession-float heights and to ensure that wiring and decorative lighting are installed by certified contractors. MSEDCL has also streamlined applications for temporary connections through its official website and mobile application, while mandals have been advised to maintain safe distances from power lines and poles.

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