KALYAN: With the Ganesh festival approaching, the issue of arches and banners erected in the middle of roads in Dombivli has come under the spotlight, with MNS Dombivli city president Harshad Patil urging the KDMC administration to prohibit such structures on major roads and traffic routes.In a letter to the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) commissioner, Patil said arches erected by political parties and organisations in the middle of roads often create hurdles for traffic and, more importantly, sometimes cause problems when large Ganesh idols are transported through the city.“Several times, large Ganesh idols face difficulty while passing through such arches during their arrival or departure. At times, the idols can even get stuck, creating a possibility of damage to or disrespect of the idol,” Patil said in his letter.He also pointed out that arches erected during Dahi Handi celebrations often remain on roads for a long period. “Once an arch is erected for Dahi Handi, it often continues to remain there until the Ganesh festival. Citizens consequently have to face traffic problems caused by these structures for several days,” he said.According to Patil, arches erected in the middle of busy roads, chowks, or locations where they obstruct traffic can distract motorists and increase the possibility of accidents. He also cited reports from 2023, 2024 and 2025 about incidents involving large Ganesh idols getting stuck while passing under such structures.Patil said public roads were meant for the safe and smooth movement of citizens and demanded that political parties, organisations and other institutions not be permitted to erect arches on major roads, junctions and important traffic routes.He has also urged the KDMC to issue clear instructions to all concerned departments and take strict action against unauthorised arches, including their immediate removal.Citizens have welcomed MNS Dombivli city president Harshad Patil’s demand to prohibit banners and arches from being erected in the middle of roads, saying such structures should be restricted to the roadside so that traffic movement and the transportation of large Ganesh idols are not affected.
