Of the 120 govindas hospitalized after being injured while forming tall human pyramids during Dahi Handi on August 27, only four have submitted insurance claims. Many injured participants, covered under an insurance policy from Oriental Insurance, have been slow to complete the formalities needed to process their claims.
Delay in Filing Claims
According to Sachin Khanvilkar, Oriental Insurance’s manager, the company has received 120 notifications of hospitalization, but only four actual claims. “Many govindas have not submitted the necessary documents to process their claims,” Khanvilkar explained. He added that many participants are returning to their native villages for Ganeshotsav and plan to complete the formalities after the festival. The insurance company has already emailed claim forms to all injured govindas and their respective mandals.
Ganeshotsav Preparations
Oriental Insurance is also gearing up for Ganeshotsav, with policies in place for major mandals, including Mumbaicha Raja of Ganesh Gully. The secretary of Ganesh Gully, Swapnil Parab, stated that their policy is worth ₹10 crore. Additionally, the deity’s ornate golden necklace has been insured.
Comprehensive Coverage for Ganesh Mandals
Khanvilkar explained that Oriental Insurance provides a wide range of coverage for Ganesh pandals during the festival. The insurance includes protection against fire, allied perils, earthquakes, storms, floods, and terrorism. The policy also covers burglary insurance for the pandals, the idol’s jewellery, cash in transit, and donations collected in the boxes. Public liability insurance is in place for all devotees visiting the insured mandals, while personal accident cover is provided for the mandal’s volunteers. Lifeguards and other volunteers who assist during Ganpati immersions are also insured.
