Ganpati mandals pledge help for drought-hit farmers

With people in drought-affected Marathwada region continuing to face hardships, Ganpati mandals in Mumbai have decided to donate to their cause, and have also highlighted water conservation in their celebrations.

“It has been taken up as a mission,” Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) president Naresh Dahibawkar told Deccan Herald.

Maharashtra’s Charity Commissioner Shashikant Savale has appealed to all mandals in the state to kept aside Rs 5,000 each for the fund.

The 10-day-long Ganeshotsav starts on September 17 on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, and ends on September 27 at Anant Chaturdashi.

Boosting morale

“With collective initiative, we have to boost the morale of farmers and help them tide over the crisis,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said.

Dahibawkar said the BSGSS — the apex body of Ganpati mandals in Mumbai and its suburbs — has sent out a message to all mandals to donate directly to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, so the money is in safe hands.

“All Ganpati mandals are trying to donate 10-20 per cent of their collections for drought relief,” he said, adding that there are 11,556 registered mandals in Mumbai and its eastern and western suburbs.

Several mandals have also decided to keep collection boxes meant for drought relief near idols.