Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued notices to 226 vendors for illegally setting up stalls selling Ganesh idols on roads and footpaths. These encroachments have been causing significant traffic congestion, especially as the festival approaches and more residents flock to purchase idols for installation at home.

The Ganesh festival, which starts on September 7, sees a surge in demand for idols, particularly in the last few days before the festivities begin. To cater to this demand, vendors have set up stalls across the city, including in its central areas and suburbs.

However, many vendors have ignored the designated areas allocated by the PMC and have instead chosen to set up their stalls wherever convenient, leading to widespread disruption.

Among the 226 notices issued, the highest number came from the Sinhagad Ward Office, with 34 notices. In contrast, the Kondhwa-Yewalewadi Ward Office did not issue any notices.

Additionally, three Ganesh mandals in the Shivajinagar-Ghole Road area were also served notices for occupying more space than allowed by their permits. These mandals have been instructed to reduce their pandals to the size approved by the PMC.

Deputy Commissioner Somnath Bankar, from the Encroachment Department, emphasized that the vendors and mandals must adhere to the guidelines set by the municipal corporation to ensure smooth traffic flow and pedestrian safety during the festival.

With only a few days left before the Ganesh festival, the PMC is making concerted efforts to address these issues and maintain order in the city.