Police Issue Guidelines for Ganesh Festival Celebrations

Visakhapatnam: Police authorities of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts have issued guidelines under which taking permission is mandatory for starting Ganesh pandals in public places and holding programmes there. The Ganesh Puja is scheduled on August 27, which marks the beginning of the festivities, which culminate with the immersion of the Elephant God’s idol.

Vizianagaram district SP Vakul Jindal and his Srikakulam district counterpart K.V. Maheshwara Reddy underlined that all organisers must secure proper approval through the government's newly introduced single-window system before they put up the Ganesh idols and start celebrations.

"The single window makes it convenient for people to get permissions for setting up mandapams, organising festivities, taking out processions and immersing their idols," the officials stated. The permission for setting up Ganesh mandapams is free. Organisers need to pay no challans or fees.

To obtain permissions, organisers must first form a festival committee, visit the site ganeshutsav.net and click New Application. They can then enter details like phone number and Aadhaar numbers, committee or association name, location, height and weight of mandapam, organiser contact details and police subdivision.

The application will go to the Station House Officer (SHO) of the police station concerned. Under the SHO's leadership, a joint inspection team comprising personnel from municipal, fire and electricity departments will visit the venue and inspect arrangements before granting approval.

Once approved, organisers can check their application status at ganeshutsav.net/applicationstatus by entering their registered phone number. A QR code containing the No Objection Certificate (NOC) and compliance conditions will be available for download.

The SPs have instructed applicants to print, laminate and keep the NOC and QR code readily available for inspection by officials during the festival period.

Police have underlined that statues must not obstruct the roads or cause traffic problems. CCTV cameras must be installed in the mandapam area, GA wire should not be used for Aarti or mandap decorations. Fire safety precautions must be taken with sandbags, water drums, and fire extinguishers. Idols made of clay should be placed, instead of plaster of Paris and colours must be environment friendly. Speakers used should not cause excessive noise pollution.

Citizens can file complaints regarding any violations by calling 100 or posting on WhatsApp 63099 90933.