Vijayawada Steps Up Ganesh Immersion, Pandal Safety

VIJAYAWADA: The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has made elaborate arrangements for Ganesh idol immersion and directed officials to ensure strict fire, electrical and structural safety at every Ganesh pandal in the city.

VMC commissioner H.M. Dhyanachandra inspected MG Road Police Control Room, Tummalapalli Kalakshetram Road, Vinayak Temple Road, Seethamma Vari Padalu, Bhavanipuram Head Water Works, RTC Workshop Road, HB Colony and Vidyadharpuram on Thursday.

He directed officials to keep vehicles, cranes, lighting, sanitation staff and other facilities ready at Seethamma Vari Padalu, the designated immersion point, and ensure devotees face no inconvenience. He appealed to citizens to use clay idols and celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner without affecting city sanitation.

At a meeting with officials, the commissioner ordered that every pandal have a 200-litre water drum, sand and CO₂ and dry chemical powder fire extinguishers. He stressed precautions while installing lighting and electrical connections, warning against loose wires and short circuits. Town planning officials were asked to regularly check the stability of pandal stages.

Dhyanachandra also directed organisers to provide separate bins and segregate wet, dry and flower waste. Flower waste should be separately collected and sent for recycling into incense and dhoop sticks. Additional Commissioner General A. Ravindra Rao was appointed nodal officer to coordinate safety and sanitation monitoring.

The commissioner later inspected the Anna Canteen at HB Canteen and reviewed sanitation, food quality and services, directing officials to ensure hygienic surroundings and quality food.

Zonal commissioner N. Srinivas, chief medical health officer Dr Nirmala Glory, deputy city planner Chandrabose and other officials participated.