Belagavi Gears Up for Ganesh Utsav with Strict New Guidelines for Peaceful Celebrations

As the vibrant festival of Ganesh Utsav approaches, Belagavi authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure a celebration marked by peace, public safety, and communal harmony. In a crucial meeting convened by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) S. S. Kuntoji, representatives from numerous Ganesh Mandals were briefed on a new set of stringent conditions that will govern the granting of permissions this year.

The message from the police is clear: while the spirit of celebration is encouraged, it must not come at the cost of public order or tranquility.

All Ganesh Mandals are now required to submit their applications for permission by August 30. These approvals, once granted, will come with a detailed list of mandates designed to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure a smooth festival experience for everyone.

Among the most significant conditions is the compulsory installation of CCTV cameras at all pandal locations.

This measure aims to enhance security and assist law enforcement in monitoring activities and quickly addressing any potential issues. Furthermore, organizers have been strictly warned against playing any provocative songs or music, especially those that could inflame sentiments related to the sensitive Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute or any other communal disharmony.

The focus is firmly on music that resonates with the festive spirit rather than divisive themes.

Political posturing will also be off-limits, with a ban on any banners, posters, or materials promoting political parties or individual leaders. This ensures that the religious and cultural essence of Ganesh Utsav remains paramount, free from political influence.

Strict adherence to prescribed sound limits is another critical requirement, aiming to prevent noise pollution and minimize disturbance to residents, hospitals, and educational institutions.

To manage potential traffic congestion and ensure public convenience, specific routes and timings for idol immersion will be stipulated by the authorities.

Mandals must meticulously follow these guidelines, avoiding any obstruction to public movement or traffic flow. Police officials emphasized that organizers would be held directly responsible for any untoward incidents, highlighting the serious nature of these conditions.

Additional directives include prominently displaying emergency contact numbers at all pandals and ensuring that volunteers are well-briefed on safety protocols.

While existing idol installations in sensitive areas may continue, no new idols will be permitted in such locations, a move aimed at maintaining the delicate balance of communal harmony. Although not explicitly detailed in the article, previous years have often seen restrictions on idol heights, a condition likely to be enforced again, referencing High Court directives.

The meeting saw participation from a wide array of stakeholders, including Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), Inspectors from various police stations, officials from electricity supply companies (ESCOMs), the Fire and Emergency Services Department, and representatives from the Ganesh Mandals.

This collaborative approach underscores the commitment of Belagavi authorities to foster a safe, inclusive, and joyous Ganesh Utsav for all its citizens.