Eye on polls,corporators woo mandals,Govindas

In last year’s Dahi Handi celebrations,one person died and over 40 were injured in the city.

During the celebrations,participants form huge human pyramids to break the earthen pot (handi) hung high in the air. “We should provide insurance for victims and their families for accidents that take place during Dahi Handi and the fifth,seventh and tenth day of Ganeshotsav ceremonies,” reads the proposal put before the standing committee.

In addition to increasing the compensation from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh for fatalities caused during the festivals,Shiv Sena corporator and leader of the House,Yashodhar Phanse has also demanded the the medical cover for those injured be raised from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per person.

Meanwhile,MNS leader Dilip Lande has demanded that the injured avail this cover at not only civic hospitals but also private hospitals.

Congress corporator Pravin Chheda has sought to further spread this insurance cover. “The civic administration proposes to compensate only those victims who suffer injuries while actually participating in the ceremonies are eligible for compensation. However,I am proposing that any participant injured throughout the festival duration be compensated,” said Chheda.

NCP leader Dhananjay Pisal has said,“Even those Dahi Handi participants from outside the city should be eligible for financial aid. Further,Mumbai-based Dahi Handi participants should also be able to benefit from this scheme in case they get injured while participating in events outside the city.”