Khushi Maheshwari, Pune
Ganesh Mandal Representatives opposed the height of the foot overbridge on Jungli Maharaj (JM) Road and expressed apprehensions regarding the procession chariots that will have to move underneath it on Anant Chaturdashi. However, the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited claimed that the footover bridge has been built keeping in mind all the requirements and rules.
The Mandal Representatives said that the bridge is likely to obstruct the chariots and in turn might lead to the idols getting damaged. On this account, the representatives asked the Maha-Metro officials to temporarily dismantle the foot overbridge for the procession.
The officials replied, saying that the bridge was constructed as per regulations and will most likely not be disassembled for the festival.
The height of the foot overbridge in question is 17 feet, which is 3 feet less compared to the height of the elevated metro at Khaduji Baba Chowk on Sambhaji bridge (also known as Lakdi Pul).
Clarifying the disparity, Hemant Sonawane, the Maha-Metro public relations officer, said that they had constructed both the foot over bridge and elevated bridge on Khaduji Baba Chowk according to the rules of the Indian Road Congress.
Another Maha-Metro official stated the reason for not dismantling the JM road foot overbridge even temporarily and said that removing it every year will make it fragile and more prone to collapsing. Moreover, they added that making it taller has led to a decrease in the number of pedestrians using the foot overbridge, as per past studies.
After the metro officials declared that it would not be feasible to dismantle the structure temporarily, the only solution is to either create foldable chariots or pass through Fergusson College Road for the immersion procession.
Anant Chaturdashi is the final day of the 10 day-long Ganesh festival. Therefore, Ganesh Visarjan, particularly on Anant Chaturdashi, is quite significant both culturally and religiously. Every year, people gather in masses to be part of the immersion procession. It is an immensely sentimental day for the worshippers of Lord Ganesha as they bid farewell to the God’s idol. All the rituals symbolize the same and are followed through with glorious celebrations and prayers. Hence, it becomes pertinent to maintain the smooth flow of these processions to honor the holiness of the day.