The civic body has asked mandals to keep the areas surrounding Ganesh pandals clean and avoid noise pollution. They have also been instructed not to store inflammable material on pandal premises and to keep fire-prevention equipment readily available.
The BMC has appealed to devotees not to dispose of nirmalya, including flowers and other puja offerings, in garbage bins. Instead, such offerings should be placed only in designated nirmalya kalash provided for collection.
Citizens have also been urged to avoid banned plastic bags and exercise caution while visiting crowded pandals, particularly when accompanied by children. Devotees have been advised to maintain the sanctity of the festival and avoid consumption of alcohol. The sale and consumption of tobacco products have also been discouraged.
The BMC has specifically highlighted food safety requirements for public festival mandals, their office-bearers and food business operators involved in preparing and distributing prasad.
The civic body said all such activities must comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations notified in 2011.
Mandals have been directed to purchase raw materials and food items used for prasad only from licensed or registered food business operators. Fruits used as prasad should also be sourced from known, licensed or registered dealers, while raw, rotten or spoiled fruits must not be used.
The water used to prepare prasad should be fit for drinking, while caterers preparing the food must hold the required licence. The premises where prasad is prepared must also be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.
The civic body has advised devotees to exercise caution while purchasing sweets and food products made with khoya or mawa.
Food Safety Officers and other concerned officials are expected to inspect food preparation and distribution facilities. Mandals have been asked to cooperate with them and comply with their instructions.
In case of complaints or concerns regarding food or prasad, citizens can approach the Food Safety Officer, Assistant Commissioner (Food), designated officer or the Medical Officer (Health) of the concerned BMC ward.
The BMC has also urged citizens and mandals to opt for eco-friendly celebrations. Devotees have been encouraged to choose eco-friendly Ganesh idols and give preference to immersion in artificial ponds.
The civic body has also advised the use of environmentally friendly colours and paper or other eco-friendly materials instead of thermocol for decorations.
The BMC said devotees and mandals must strictly follow instructions issued by the civic body and Mumbai Police. In case of an emergency, citizens can contact the BMC control room through helpline number 1916.
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