No Dahi Handi without Insurance. Safety Beefs Up Ahead of Janmashtami in Mumbai

Ahead of celebrations of Dahi Handi, Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti (DHSS) and Mumbai Police are beefing up with the safety measures. In 2017, Bombay High Court passed safety directions for the Mandals.

According to a report from Hindustan Times, across Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai more than 950 teams are registered with DHSS body. Earlier an affidavit has been filed before the High Court to assure the safety of the participants. After so many instances of death and injuries during Dahi Handi, the High Court passed the safety direction.

“Since it was an affidavit filed by us before the high court, we are ensuring that the safety of Govindas is not compromised, which is why the insurance amount was increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

We have asked organisers to not allow mandals who do not have insurance or are allowing participants below 14 years to take part,” said Bala Padelkar, chairman of DHSS, to Hindustan Times.

Mumbai Police and DHSS are trying to make sure that proper safety measures are taken and each and every Mandal is insured. So far, it has been said that 570 Govinda mandals have been insured from the Oriental Insurance Company. “Last year, there were no death claims, but we cleared injury claims for around 35 Govindas after the festival,” said Sachin Khanvilkar, assistant manager, The Oriental Insurance Company.