Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday that only pure and unadulterated prasad should be served to devotees during the approaching Ganeshotsav festival. He also said that the mandals should make themselves aware of the rules on this from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).His stance is supportive of the crackdown against adulterated and unhygienic food by FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. It is the second time Fadnavis has publicly backed the officer. On August 19, Fadnavis had said that Mundhe’s crackdown on food safety violations would continue.He also said that strict action should be taken against violations in the use of firecrackers and loudspeakers. He was chairing a meeting to review law and order for the forthcoming Ganpati festival, which is the state festival.“Luckily, the high court has allowed the same rules issued earlier to continue and these will be strictly followed,” said Fadnavis.Since most of the permits of the old mandals are of a routine nature, the administration should issue them quickly, said Fadnavis. Special care should be taken to ensure that there are no potholes on routes for the Ganesh procession and that adequate lighting is available at night.Section 143 of the BMC Act, allows property tax exemption for mandals in the name of trusts, and they should apply for this, he said.The necessary instructions should be given to mandals with large idols to ensure that all arrangements are safe, for which the state government will provide necessary assistance, said Fadnavis. He also said that the government has brought to the notice of the high court that proper procedures are being implemented to ensure that PoP idols do not get immersed in the sea or riverbed and cause pollution.
