Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SP)

Mumbai, Sep 5: The huge idol of Lord Ganesha installed at Parel here, famously known as 'Lalbagacha Raja' as well as the pandal in which the idol is installed, have been insured for Rs 2.65 crore. The devotees who throng the place during the 10-day celebrations, are also insured for one crore rupees.

Sunil Joshi, president of the committee which oversees the celebrations here, gave this information, He said, that about 1.5 lac people are expected to visit the pandal during the festivities. The idol will be immersed on the 11th day, after being accompanied by a procession complete with dances, music etc.,

The policies have been taken, considering the safety concerns of a huge number of devotees, foreign travellers, VVIPs, prominent businessmen and Bollywood stars who will be visiting the place, Joshi informed. He added, that a premium of Rs 1.4 lac has already been paid by the committee to Bajaj Allianz towards this insurance cover.  The company will settle claims, if any tragedies occur during the period, subject to rules and regulations governing these policies, he explained.

Joshi however, was not forthcoming with an answer to a query as to why the committee resorted to get this insurance cover, for the first time in its history spanning over 75 years.