The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is offering free treatment to Govindas injured during the Dahi Handi festival in Mumbai, officials said on Saturday.
The festival, known for its human pyramids and lively atmosphere, also brought with it the usual concern over participant safety. To address this, civic authorities have stepped in with special arrangements.
BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani has asked all municipal hospitals to treat Govindas injured during the festivities free of cost. Every year, dozens of participants sustain injuries ranging from minor cuts to serious fractures while attempting to break the high-hanging pots.
The civic body’s move aims to ensure that no Govinda is denied immediate care due to financial reasons, officials said.
In addition, hospitals have been told to share updates on the number of injured participants with the Emergency Control Room at three-hour intervals. This step will allow the civic administration to keep track of the situation in real time and respond quickly if needed.
The BMC has also stationed medical teams near major Dahi Handi spots across the city, anticipating the usual rush of injuries that occur during the event. While the enthusiasm of participants and spectators remained undeterred, the civic administration’s focus was clearly on making sure celebrations did not come at the cost of safety.
Meanwhile, Mumbai came alive with energy on Janmashtami as the city celebrated the Dahi Handi festival with large gatherings and spirited Govinda pathaks.
Maharashtra weather update | Red alert declared: Thane, Mumbai, Raigad gear up for heavy downpour
As Mumbai experiences heavy rainfall this weekend, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall warnings for several districts in Maharashtra on Saturday, August 16.
Thane and Mumbai, however, are likely to face more severe rainfall as IMD has issued a red alert, with predictions of heavy to very heavy rainfall at multiple locations, coupled with extremely heavy rainfall at isolated spots.
According to the forecast, Palghar district has received an orange alert and is expected to experience heavy to very heavy showers in some areas.
“Heavy rains are likely across Konkan. Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Nashik remain under red alert on Saturday,” said IMD scientist Shubhangi Bhute.
The IMD has forecast intense rainfall in these regions, putting authorities on high alert.
The warning indicates a significant risk of waterlogging, traffic disruption, and flooding in low-lying areas of Mumbai and Thane, which are already prone to monsoon-related issues.
